A school psychologist at Berlin High School is dead after a domestic violence call in East Hartford led to a police shooting Thursday night and a female victim has life-threatening injuries that police said appeared to be from domestic violence.
The Windham state’s attorney has identified the man as John Carras.
Police Called to East Hartford Home
Police said officers were called to a home on Skyline Drive around 6:15 p.m. Thursday for a domestic violence complaint and two officers who responded got into a struggle at the home with a man who they described as the aggressor in the incident. When a stun gun was not effective, at least one officer opened fire and struck Carras.
He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The female victim was also taken to the hospital.
Man Killed Was a School Psychologist at Berlin High School
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Berlin High School Principal Eileen Eustis sent a statement to families Friday.
“It is with much sadness that I share with you the passing of a BHS faculty member, Mr. John Carras,” Eustis said in a statement to families. “Mr. Carras served as our school psychologist for the past 11 years. We felt it was important to communicate this information with our parents and guardians should your child ask any questions or express concern.”
The principal’s statement said the school crisis team met Friday morning to coordinate support for students, faculty and staff. They also brought in additional counseling staff from within the district and Meriden Public Schools.
Advice to Parents of Children Who Knew Carras
Eustis urged parents and guardians to take time to listen to and talk to their children about what has happened and reassure them.
Parents of any child who appears to be struggling to cope should contact the school to speak with support staff or call 211 for mobile crisis services, she urged.
Three Others Injured in East Hartford Incident
The two officers were taken to the hospital Thursday night, one with injuries and one for evaluation.
A female victim was also taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, which police said appear to be a result of domestic violence.
"This is a sad time for this quiet community. This is a wonderful town and a wonderful community and unfortunately we’ve had a tragedy tonight here at this address," Lt. Joshua Litwin of the East Hartford Police Department said Thursday.
Investigation Begins Into Police Shooting of John Carras
Connecticut State Police and the state's attorney will investigate the shooting.
“We extend our condolences to the victims of this tragic incident and their loved ones. The State’s Attorney’s Office will be in contact with the surviving victims at the appropriate time to assure that they are kept aware of the progress of the investigation, the purpose of which by statute is to determine if the use of force was appropriate under the law,” Windham State’s Attorney Anne Mahoney said in a statement.
East Hartford police said they had no previous record of domestic violence calls at the home.
