Authorities: Man attacks police officer with hammer in Middletown and is shot
The officer’s body camera fell off during the struggle. Several shots were fired.
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A man was shot on Saturday after officials say he attacked an officer with a hammer in Middletown.
Investigators say detective Karli Travis was called to a home on Liberty Street around 6:30 a.m. due to police receiving a complaint about excessive noise and breaking glass.
Travis arrived in uniform and in a marked police cruiser, according to investigators. When she approached the home, she was confronted by 52-year-old Winston Tate, who had a hammer.
Investigators say a struggle began when Tate charged at Travis. The officer’s body camera fell off during the struggle and she ended up shooting her gun several times.
Tate eventually reentered the home and backup was called in, according to investigators.
After more officers arrived and surrounded the home, Tate returned from the basement and was taken into custody.
Both Tate and Travis were injured, according to authorities. They have since been released from the hospital.
Tate was arraigned on several charges earlier this week including assault on public safety personnel.
Tate is a convicted felon and was on probation at the time of the incident, according to authorities. Middletown police say he has been charged with assault on public safety personnel, interfering with an officer, carrying a dangerous weapon and other offenses over the past five years.
The police chief has praised the officer, who he said "displayed an extreme act of heroism" by saving her own life, defending her fellow officers and the community.
The Office of Inspector General and the Connecticut State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad are currently investigating the incident.
