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Man Shot Dead After Confronting Police With Firearm

FARMINGTON — Police responding to what they described a violent domestic dispute between a man and his stepfather late Thursday shot and killed the stepson afte...

FARMINGTON — Police responding to what they described a violent domestic dispute between a man and his stepfather late Thursday shot and killed the stepson after he confronted police in the street with a gun.

Police were called to 3 Butternut Drive at 10:43 p.m. The shooting occurred at 10:50 p.m.

The stepson, identified as Gregory Bendas, 43, was pronounced dead at the scene. The stepfather was not injured.

There is a history of calls to 3 Butternut Drive for domestic violence calls involving the two men, according to police.

In Thursday night’s incident, the stepfather called police asking for help, and then took refuge at a neighbors’s home. As police respond to the call, they received reports that Bendas had walked out of 3 Butternut and was crossing the street toward the house where the stepfather had taken refuge.

Police were also told Bendas possibly had a gun. Police told the stepfather to stay at the neighbor’s home.

As police arrived on Butternut, they were confronted by Bendas, who brandished a handgun. State police said the Farmington officers ordered Bendas to drop the gun. Instead, he raised it in a threatening manner toward the officers and one officer fired at Bendas, said state police Lt. J. Paul Vance

After the shooting, Farmington officers immediately performed CPR on the man and called forUniversity of Connecticut Health Center paramedics and the Tunxis Hose Co.

Police and the Hartford State’s Attorney called in the state police Central District Major Crime Squad to investigate the shooting since it involved a police officer. Farmington detectives are also investigating.

Police asked that any witnesses to the shooting or anyone with information call them at 860-675-2400.

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