CT State Police Investigate State Police Shooting

 

On 10/14/14, at approximately 10:00 p.m., State Police at Troop G in Bridgeport received several 911 calls reporting a disturbance on a tour bus that was traveling on 1-95 northbound in the exit 14 Norwalk area. Troopers on patrol and working in that area were advised of the report. The driver of the bus in question pulled into a construction zone being guarded by an on-duty Trooper.

The Trooper, who was aware of the violence complaint, began his approach to the tour bus. The Trooper encountered the suspect, who was armed with a cutting instrument. The suspect was in a violent struggle with a bus passenger and had tumbled out the bus door onto the road from the stopped bus.

The Trooper attempted to stop the violence; the suspect began to be aggressive toward the Trooper and refused the Trooper’s order to disarm. The suspect advanced toward the Trooper in an aggressive manner with the box cutting instrument, forcing the Trooper to discharge his duty weapon striking the suspect and also wounding the bus passenger.

The suspect and passenger were provided emergency care at the scene and, in addition, one additional passenger on the bus who was also injured by the suspect was provided emergency care. Ambulances responded and transported all three to Norwalk hospital. The suspect was pronounced dead at Norwalk Hospital.

Presently, the deceased has not been identified. A post mortem examination will be scheduled and conducted by the Office of The Chief State’s Medical Examiner to determine the manner and cause of death. The crime scene was secured and I-95 northbound was closed to all traffic to allow for the criminal investigation to take place. The State Police Central District Major Crime Squad was assigned to respond to conduct the investigation into this incident, assisted by the State’s Attorney's Office. The highway was closed until about 5:30 a.m. on 10/15/14 to allow State Police Detectives to investigate. Detectives documented the crime scene, processed both physical and forensic evidence and interviewed numerous witnesses. A State Trooper responded to provided needed interpretation to non-English speaking witnesses.

The Trooper was not injured by the suspect at the scene. The trooper is identified as Trooper First Class Marc O’Mara. TFC O’Mara is a 10-year-veteran of the CT State Police, assigned to Troop A in Southbury. As is department policy, he will be temporarily assigned to an administrative duty assignment pending the completion of this investigation.

The case remains under investigation by State Police.