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Undercover police shot at in Waterbury, one grazed by bullet

The officers were assigned to the State Police Violent Crimes Task Force.

WATERBURY, Conn. — A Naugatuck police officer working in an undercover task force was grazed by a bullet in Waterbury Wednesday Night. Waterbury Police say that officer is now home from the hospital and recovering. 

"This is a very very active investigation and currently ongoing," said Chief Fernando Spagnolo with the Waterbury Police Department.

Police said it all happened just after 10 p.m. on Wednesday near Chase Parkway off of Interstate 84. Officers assigned to the Connecticut State Police Violent Crimes Task Force were conducting an undercover surveillance operation in Waterbury when their vehicle was shot at by a suspect or suspects in another unknown vehicle, which then fled from the area. One of the officers was struck by that gunfire. 

He has now been identified as a Naugatuck Police officer. Police said that the officer was grazed by a bullet in the shoulder and chest area. He was sent to the hospital with minor injuries and has since been released. Police say there was another officer in the car who was not hurt. 

"We thank the medical staff and the ambulance and the officers that were on scene to provide first aid to that police officer," Spagnolo said. 

The task force that was involved in the incident is made up of six police departments in the area. 

Police haven't said if the person who shot at the officers is the one they were surveilling. But they said they're working hard to find them. 

"We have members of the state police in town with us today. members from our federal partners are on their way into town. and we are going to be working this investigation throughout the day," Chief Spagnolo said.

Police spent much of the day Thursday on Chase Parkway, looking for evidence and knocking on doors in the neighborhood. 

"All I heard is sirens going by Chase Parkway. And my daughter did hear some gunshots," said Juan Cacres, who lives in the area where this all happened.

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Another woman who works at a medical office across the street from the scene said she's grateful to know the officer who was shot is doing okay. She notes that the police and the mayor have done a good job keeping the community safe.

"We have to show the support to the police with what they've done and feel safe that they would have our back if needed," said Pat Scofield the Clinical Operations Manager of Cardiology Associates of Greater Waterbury.

Police are not releasing any information on a potential suspect or suspect at this time. They're also not releasing the name of the officer who was shot to protect their identity.

If anyone has any information, they are requested to contact the Waterbury PD Detective Bureau at (203) 574-6941 or Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (203) 755-1234. There is no further information available at this time.

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Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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