Man Arrested After Attempting to Shoot Waterbury Police Officer During Domestic Disturbance

WATERBURY, Conn. (WFSB) – A man was apprehended by the Waterbury police after allegedly attempting to shoot an officer who responded to a domestic disturbance on Friday evening.

The incident took place on Albion Street around 8:20 p.m., when Waterbury officers were dispatched to respond to a 911 hang-up call. Upon arriving at the scene, the officers discovered an ongoing domestic disturbance.

According to the police, the officers heard a heated argument between a man and a woman. They were informed that the man possessed a firearm and was making threats to harm the woman.

The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Jermale Foster, attempted to obstruct the officers from entering the residence.

During the physical altercation that ensued, Foster drew a handgun and fired a single round towards one of the officers while attempting to flee from the scene. Fortunately, the officer was not hit, and the bullet struck a wall inside the house, as per the police statement.

Despite resistance from Foster, the officers managed to disarm him after a prolonged struggle and took him into custody. During the arrest, the police discovered a second loaded firearm, a .380 caliber pistol, in Foster’s pocket. Additionally, 4.9 grams of cocaine, packaged for street-level distribution, were found in his possession.

The firearm used by Foster was a 40-caliber handgun equipped with an illegal high-capacity magazine capable of holding 14 rounds, although it was loaded with 12 rounds. Another illegal high-capacity magazine was also recovered at the scene.

The victim, a 30-year-old woman involved in the domestic disturbance, sustained minor injuries during the physical altercation with Foster.

Both the Waterbury police officers and Foster received minor injuries while attempting to disarm him and take him into custody.

Waterbury Police highlighted that Foster is a convicted felon, having been found guilty of Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit on December 27, 2017. Consequently, he is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition.

Foster now faces multiple charges, including Interfering with a 911 call, Assault in the 3rd degree, Threatening in the 1st degree, Breach of peace in the 2nd degree, Carrying a pistol without a permit, Criminal possession of a firearm, Altering or removing identification marks to a firearm, Illegal transfer-sale-delivery of a firearm, Illegal possession of a large capacity magazine, Unlawful discharge, Interfering with police, Criminal attempt in the 1st degree, Possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and Assault on a police officer.

He is currently being held on a bond of $1.5 million.

Waterbury Police Chief Spagnolo released a statement, acknowledging the dangers posed by convicted felons such as Foster who are released into the community and continue to display a reckless disregard for the law and public safety. He commended the swift and heroic actions of the officers involved, highlighting their ability to make quick and informed decisions in intense situations. Spagnolo emphasized that their actions ultimately protected themselves and all individuals involved in this dangerous incident.