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Officer under investigation in Bridgeport found dead

BRIDGEPORT – The Bridgeport Police Department are mourning a loss of their own Monday following the death of Officer Thomas Lattanzio, a 17-year veteran of the ...

BRIDGEPORT – The Bridgeport Police Department are mourning a loss of their own Monday following the death of Officer Thomas Lattanzio, a 17-year veteran of the department.

Police said Lattanzio killed himself at a Bridgeport park Monday morning.

A funeral is scheduled for Monday, Dec 11, but details have not been released.

There was black bunting draped above the entrance to the police station this afternoon and flags were hanging at half-staff outside of the police department and city hall.

Bridgeport Police Armando J. Perez released the following statement:

“This is a very sad day for the Bridgeport Police Department. Our family has lost a brother officer. Officer Thomas Lattanzio had dedicated nearly 20 years of his life serving our residents and our city, and we mourn his loss.

We will have more to say about the circumstances surrounding Officer Lattanzio's passing in the future. For today, we pray for his family and we are comforting each other.

Policing is a tough job, and we have hundreds of committed officers who put their lives on the line to protect each of us, every day. As always we will rely on each other and our community for support, for which we are grateful. I ask that the public keep the brave men and women of the Bridgeport Police Department in your prayers during this difficult time.”

Lattanzio was was the subject of two civil rights cases and forced to turn in his gun and badge over a month ago.

Lattanzio had served on the department since 2000. He was recently placed on suspension following an excessive force complaint in October.

Officials said he had recently been evicted from his home in Bridgeport by a bank and his only family is his sister who lives out of state; hasn’t seen her for 9 years according to BPD.

Lattanzio was among several officers who responded to an excessive noise complaint at a 12-year-old's birthday party Oct. 21. Video captured the officers tackling a costumed man to the ground and dragging another woman dressed in costume to a patrol car. The city's Office of Internal Affairs was investigating.

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