A police officer was shot while in pursuit of suspects believed to be responsible for attempted carjackings throughout Waterbury Thursday night.
Officers with the Auto Theft Task Force were conducting an investigation when they encountered three suspects in Waterbury's west end, police said.
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While chasing after them in the area of Norman Street and Clairmont Avenue, a police officer was shot in the leg, according to police.
Authorities said he was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
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Police said three people have since been arrested.
Bond for a 20-year-old man has been set at $2 million.
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Bond for an 18-year-old suspect and a 19-year-old suspect was set at $1.5 million bond and they will be arraigned on Friday.
"I want to take a moment to commend the Waterbury Police Department for their unwavering determination and commitment to getting these dangerous criminals off our streets. These individuals showed a complete disregard for human life, and it is clear they belong behind bars for a long time," Waterbury mayor Paul Pernerewski said in a statement:
"My thoughts are with the officer who was injured. We are deeply grateful that his injuries were not life-threatening and that he is expected to recover fully," Pernerewski said. "I am astounded by the courage and bravery demonstrated by our police officers, and their commitment to serving and protecting our community, even in the face of such danger. Let this be a reminder to keep all of our police officers in our thoughts and prayers as they work tirelessly to keep us safe every day.”
Watertown police said they were asked to be on the lookout for a white Explorer that was used in a violent crime in Waterbury.
A Watertown officer saw it, chased it and it was last scene on Route 8 South in Watertown, then lost sight of it and other police departments in the area were alerted, according to Watertown Police.
Neighbors reported hearing several gunshots and screaming.
“I heard somebody arguing and I heard gunshots," Christopher Mursko, of Waterbury, said. “And then the police and the dogs and everything were out there. And this is, you know, something happened. This is usually a quiet neighborhood.”
“It's definitely scary," Andrea Giampetruzzi, of Waterbury, said. “I never thought that this would be something that would be a, you know, part of our reality. So it's just going to be some conversations with my husband later on tonight about what we can do to just remain safe, especially because this is, this is something unexpected.”
Connecticut State Police and Waterbury police responded to the scene.
There is a police presence at Waterbury Hospital, but it's unknown if it's connected to the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing and the Office of the Inspector General is involved in the investigation as well.
