WATERBURY — State Police have released the names of the suspect and officer involved in the January 20 police shooting.
The suspect was identified as 57-year-old Waterbury resident Edward Gendron.
The officer involved with the shooting was identified as Ronald Tompkins, who has been a member of the Waterbury police department since 1989.
The property owner called police stating the neighbor of 81 Craigie Avenue had found a suspected bullet hole in their wall/ceiling.
“A physical struggle ensued between officers and a party that inside the unit and at some point during that struggle the Officer utilized deadly force,” Waterbury Police Chief Spagnolo said.
Neighbors who knew Gendron say he has lived in the home for many years and described them as a nice person.
People in the area say they were shocked to see the police presence and were saddened to hear the news.
”Always a really good neighborhood. I mean our parents would talk back in the day where you didn’t have to lock your doors at night, you know and every body knew each other,” former neighbor Barbara Walsh said.
Neighbor Noemi Rodriguez who moves to the area four years ago added, “My condolences to the family, it’s sad, very sad.”
According to police the arriving police officer met with the Gendron at the home.
Police said a gun was displayed.
An altercation ensued between the Tompkins and Gendron.
Police said that during the fight, Tompkins fired his gun.
Medical services were summoned; however, paramedics on scene pronounced the resident deceased.