STONINGTON, Conn. — A state police K-9 has died in the line of duty following a shooting involving Connecticut State Police in the Pawcatuck section of Stonington Thursday night. The suspect involved also died. The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney has identified that suspect as Vaughn Malloy.
Police said they initially went to the home on Mechanic St. just after 7:30 p.m. to serve a felony arrest warrant issued by the Norwich Police Department. There were also search warrants attached to an ongoing investigation.
In videos sent to FOX61 by neighbors, police could be heard asking Malloy to get out of the home multiple times. Shortly thereafter, neighbors reported seeing a man run out of the home. That's when they said shots were fired.
“I was in my kitchen and we kept hearing muffled pops. And I said, did you hear that? So I went outside to see and that’s when I saw all this activity out here," said Maria Torruella, who lives close by.
Torruella said she saw a K-9 chase the suspect when he ran out of the home. Then, it's not clear what happened next, but she eventually saw police shoot the suspect.
On Friday morning, Connecticut State Police announced K-9 Broko died in the line of duty during the incident, protecting his handler, his community, and his fellow troopers. Broko graduated from the 218th Connecticut State Police Patrol K-9 Class in January 2021. He and his handler were assigned to Troop A in Southbury. Most recently, they were assigned to the Connecticut State Police K-9 Unit.
"K9 Broko heroically served with unwavering dedication, saving lives by locating missing individuals, apprehending dangerous suspects, and providing a steadfast shield to his handler. K9 Broko ultimately sacrificed his life doing what he was known best for," Connecticut state police said in a statement.
A FOX61 crew on the scene early Friday morning saw dozens of officers and K-9 units from across the state come to escort Broko away from the scene.
Later Friday afternoon, a procession was held for K-9 Broko at Pieper Veterinary in Middletown, where law enforcement from across the state showed up for support.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Office of Inspector General has taken over this case, as per protocol when an officer is involved in any case involving the use of force.
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