Details of the Incident

The incident unfolded around 8:18 p.m. on Friday when officers arrived at a residence on Albion Street following a 911 hang-up call. Upon further investigation, the call was determined to be related to an ongoing domestic violence situation, Lieutenant Ryan Bessette stated in a news release.

As the officers approached the scene, they heard a heated argument between a man, later identified as Jermale Foster, and a woman. They also received information that Foster was armed and had threatened to kill the woman.

Upon entering the building, Foster attempted to impede the officers’ progress and engaged in a physical confrontation. During the struggle, Foster fired a single shot towards one of the officers, narrowly missing him and hitting a wall inside the residence, Bessette revealed.

The officers had to grapple with Foster, who put up an extended resistance. Eventually, they managed to safely disarm him, seizing the gun he was waving and another loaded firearm concealed in his pant pocket. Additionally, Foster was found in possession of 4.9 grams of cocaine packaged for street-level distribution.

Police disclosed that the .40-caliber gun used by Foster in the shooting had an illegal, high-capacity magazine containing 12 live rounds. The gun found in his pocket was loaded with a live round in the chamber and six in the magazine.

The woman involved in the domestic dispute, aged 30, sustained minor injuries from a physical altercation with Foster just before the officers’ arrival, Bessette said. Both the officers and Foster received treatment for minor injuries sustained during his apprehension, according to the police.

Prior Conviction and Charges

Authorities revealed that Foster had a felony conviction in 2017 for carrying a pistol without a permit. This conviction rendered him ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition, as per the law.

Following his arrest, Foster was held on $1.5 million bail. He is now facing nearly two-dozen charges, including three counts of attempted first-degree assault, two counts of illegal sale or transfer of a firearm, two counts of possession of a large-capacity magazine, interfering with a 911 call, and two counts of assault on a police officer. Foster is scheduled to be arraigned at Superior Court in Waterbury on Tuesday.

Police Chief’s Statement

Expressing concern over the release of convicted felons like Foster into the community, Spagnolo stated, “It is important to acknowledge the dangers that communities face when convicted individuals such as Foster are released into the streets and continue to demonstrate a reckless disregard for the law and the safety of the public.”

Spagnolo further praised the officers for their heroic actions, emphasizing the challenges they face in high-pressure situations and their ability to make quick, informed decisions. He concluded by commending the officers for protecting themselves and everyone involved in this dangerous incident.