On 08/28/12, shortly after 6:00 a.m., Norwich Police responded to a report of a suspicious person in the parking lot of the Backus Hospital. 

   Norwich Police Officers responded to the scene and located the male subject seated in a car. The Officers parked to block the suspect car.  As Norwich Officers were talking with the male subject’s family member, the suspect suddenly backed into one of the cruisers and pulled forward driving at the officer and the family member.   The officer was able to push the family member out of harm’s way and the officer withdrew his service weapon.  The suspect car mirror struck the officer and the Norwich Officer discharged his weapon at the suspect, striking him.

   The Norwich Officer was treated at the scene and taken to Backus Hospital for non life threatening injury.  The suspect was treated at the scene for non life threatening gunshot wound.

   The scene was secured by responding officers. At the request of the Norwich Police Chief and State’s Attorney, the State Police Major Crime Squad responded to conduct the investigation into this incident.   State  Police Major Crime Detectives located and interviewed several witnesses and will process the scene, collecting physical and forensic evidence.

   The Norwich Police Officer has been identified as Sgt. Patrick Mickens, a 19-year veteran of the department. He has been assigned to administrative duties following the incident.

   The identity if the suspect has not yet been released.

   The State Police are continuing this investigation.

###END####

Lt. J. Paul Vance