“Man Attacks Middletown Police Officer with Hammer: Victim Identified as Detective Karli Travis”

A man, identified as 52-year-old Winston Tate, allegedly attacked a police officer in Middletown, Connecticut. The incident occurred after police received a complaint about noise and breaking glass. Body camera footage shows Tate attacking the officer with a hammer. The officer, detective Karli Travis, defended herself by shooting Tate multiple times. Tate has a history of attacking police officers and was released from the hospital on Monday. He is facing multiple charges and is being held on a $500,000 bond. The investigation is ongoing. Evan Sobol,Dylan Fearon,Gray News staff reported

In Middletown, Connecticut, a man has been accused of assaulting a police officer over the weekend. The incident occurred on Saturday morning, following a complaint about noise and the sound of breaking glass at 195 Liberty St. The Middletown police department swiftly responded to the call, and body camera footage released on Tuesday revealed the shocking attack. The suspect, identified as Winston Tate, aged 52, can be seen viciously assaulting Officer Karli Travis with a hammer. It is important to note that the video contains graphic content that may disturb some viewers. Tate struck Travis four times before she managed to defend herself by shooting him several times. Subsequently, the assailant was apprehended and brought into custody.

Tate appeared in court on Tuesday, where the state’s attorney expressed concerns about his dangerous nature, stating that no one is safe from him. During the court proceedings, Tate showed signs of agitation, shaking his head and closing his eyes as the attack was described. At one point, he even attempted to remove his prison jumpsuit, but was calmed down by a public defender. Meanwhile, Officer Travis was taken to Middlesex Hospital for treatment of her injuries. Fortunately, she has since been released.

The Middletown police force held a news conference, during which over 20 officers expressed their support for Travis, hailing her as a hero. Police Chief Erik Costa mentioned that she is currently resting comfortably at home and receiving ample support. It has been revealed that Tate’s home had been the subject of five disturbance calls in the past month. Moreover, he has a history of attacking police officers, having served jail time for similar offenses in both 2017 and 2020. In fact, he was on probation for the 2020 assault when he allegedly assaulted Travis.

Costa emphasized Tate’s criminal record, dating as far back as 1995, highlighting his status as a convicted felon. Middletown’s police union expressed hope that this time, after attempting to murder a police officer, Tate will receive the consequences he rightly deserves. Chief Costa echoed this sentiment, proclaiming Travis as a strong individual who should be recognized as a heroine.

Tate was discharged from the hospital on Monday and subsequently charged with criminal attempt to commit first-degree assault, second-degree assault, assault on public safety personnel, and interfering with police. Currently, he is being held on a $500,000 bond. The inspector general’s office is conducting an ongoing investigation into the shooting incident.

For those interested in viewing the complete and unedited body camera footage, it can be accessed by clicking here..