Police Talk Down Norwalk Officer in Sandy Hook Home

Gary Jeanfaivre, Paul Singley and Aaron Boyd contributed reporting.

A busy scene unfolded Monday morning after Newtown and Norwalk police — along with a tactical force of state police — amassed on Jo Mar Drive in Sandy Hook at about 10:16 a.m. More than 20 police vehicles, along with paramedics, converged on an area where, residents have now learned, an off-duty Norwalk police officer had threatened to harm himself.

According to reports, Norwalk police had called their Newtown counterparts to let them know the Norwalk officer was on his way to his wife's Jo Mar Drive home. Newtown police surrounded the perimeter and spotted the man inside the home, but "attempts to contact the subject were unsuccessful," police say. No one else was home at the time, according to reports.

The action prompted a lock-in at Newtown High School and Newtown Middle School for less than half an hour, until principals received an all-clear from officers.

"This is precautionary for those two schools based upon the advice of the Chief of Police related to a concern involving a specific parent," interim superintendent John Reed said in an e-mail to parents.

A team of Norwalk police arrived at the scene at about 11:40 p.m. and began negotiating with the man, police say. Eventually negotiations were successful and the man surrendered "without further incident." 

The man made no threats against police or displayed weapons at any time, according to reports, although a handgun and a shotgun were seized from the scene and turned over to the Newtown Police Department.

All units cleared the scene at about 1:45 p.m., according to reports.

"We are very thankful the incident came to a safe conclusion, and we appreciate the assistance of the Newtown Police Department and members of the Connecticut State Police," said Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik. 

"We are fortunate our officers who responded were able to quickly intervene and assist," he added. "The officer will be receiving all the assistance necessary, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they work through some difficult times ahead."