The Bristol community came together Thursday night to support each other after a tragic shooting that has rocked the community.
The officers were responding to a 911 call Wednesday night that state police said appears to have been a deliberate act to lure law enforcement to the scene.
After being kicked out of a bar, the suspect went home, got into a domestic disturbance with his brother, called 911 at 10:29 p.m. and then waited with an AR-15-style rifle for officers to arrive, sources close to the investigation tell NBC.
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Shots were fired, fatally wounding 34-year-old Bristol police officer Alex Hamzy at the scene, state police said.
Sgt. Dustin DeMonte, 35, and Officer Alec Iurato, 26, were transported from the scene and DeMonte was pronounced dead, police said.
Iurato went through surgery for serious injuries and has been released from the hospital.
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A silent vigil and gathering took place at 5:30 p.m. at Bristol Eastern High School.
“Today is a day to honor our fallen officers and their families,” Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano said in a Facebook post.
The shock of the officers’ deaths is being felt at Uncle Sams Restaurant, as well.
“They died for something they shouldn’t have to have died for. It’s awful,” Bika Stergos, whose family owns the restaurant, said.
Stergos said both fallen officers were frequent customers and sat in a booth enjoying their meals from time to time.
“Always kind. Happy, smiling. Just really good guys, you know?” she said.
The restaurant said they're trying to give back in any way they can.
“We are opening our doors to all the Bristol PD and we’re donating whatever they want for food, for dinner,” Stergos said.
“We have had tremendous outpouring of concern and sympathy and we know the entire community is hurting,” Caggiano said.
The Bristol Police Union has also established a “Bristol Police Heroes Fund” through the Thomaston Savings Bank to support the families. Donations are being accepted at all branches, the mayor said.
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