Bristol Police Sgt. Dustin DeMonte, Officer Alex Hamzy ambushed responding to fake domestic call, state police say

Alec Iurato, the officer who was wounded and survived the ambush, fired the shot that killed the attacker, police said on Saturday. 

Police believe Brutcher lured cops to the home with a fake 911 call and that he waiting outside, dressed in camouflage, before opening fire on police with a rifle. 

Court records show Brutcher was divorced in 2019. His wages were garnished to pay an overdue $6,000 credit card bill.

His Facebook account shows an affinity for guns and hunting. Locals said he drank heavily at bars in the area and several said he was acquainted with Officer Hamzy from high school. 

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The police department in Bristol, Connecticut is overflowing with flowers and cards for the two officers who were shot and killed in an apparent ambush.

A Connecticut community is mourning two police officers who were killed and a third who was injured on Wednesday night in what investigators are calling an ambush.

The officers were responding to a 911 call for a domestic dispute between brothers in Bristol when the suspect allegedly opened fire, CBS2's Ali Bauman reported.

Investigators believe the call, itself, was a fake, a deadly ploy to lure the officers to the suspect's home.

Bristol is nicknamed the "All Heart City," but now the city's heart is broken.

The city's police department is overflowing with flowers and handwritten cards, as the community files in to pay their respects to Sgt. Dustin DeMonte and Officer Alex Hamzy.

"It's a family, a family. It's why we're here," said David Carello, a retired Bristol detective.

Carello planted American flags outside the station.

"You're always a police officer, whether you're retired or not," he said.

The officers were responding to a 911 call late Wednesday night for a domestic dispute in a Bristol home. When they arrived, investigators say the suspect, 35-year-old Nicholas Brutcher, came out wearing camo, wielding an AR-15-style rifle, and opened fire on the cops.

"Heard bang, bang pause bang, bang," neighbor Ken Przygocki said.

The shots were captured on a neighboring camera.

"They said they have an officer-involved shooting. They're requesting backup,' a police dispatcher is heard saying.

The suspect was killed and his brother, Nathan, was wounded.

Officer Hamzy, 34, died at the scene. He had just celebrated his first wedding anniversary this summer.

Sgt. DeMonte, 35, died at the hospital. He leaves behind a wife, two children, and another on the way.

Officer Alec Iurota, 26, was injured and released from the hospital on Thursday.

"Our men and women of the Bristol Police Department are privileged and honored to serve on the frontlines protecting and serving the community of Bristol, and that's what these heroes did last night," Police Chief Brian Gould said.

Hours later, cops lined the halls of Bristol Eastern High School for a vigil with the community.

"It's gonna take time to heal," Mayor Jeff Caggiano said.

"I see all these guys around town. They're a great police force. I just thought I owe it to come down," resident Howie Therriault said.

Police are working to figure out the motive, as well as the suspect's brother's role in this apparent ambush.

The last time an officer died in the line of duty in Bristol was in 1944.

With black bunting, flowers and candles outside the police department, the rituals of grief were underway Thursday in Bristol.

One Army veteran offered a heartfelt salute to the fallen officers.

"I served. These officers served. They paid the ultimate price. It's the right thing to do. They keep us safe," resident Mike Erosenko said.

Chief Brian Gould called the Wednesday night ambush on Redstone Hill Road "a senseless act of violence."

"Words cannot express the sadness and grief that brings me before you this morning," Gould said.

Connecticut State Police say brothers Nicholas and Nathan Brutcher lured police to their rental home with a fake 911 call for help. As cops arrived, 35-year-old Nicholas Brutcher allegedly opened fire with a rifle.

The sound was captured on a doorbell camera.

"It was 10 or 15 rapid, bang, bang. It stopped for a minute, then another 10 or 15 bang, and then one single shot," resident Ken Przygocki said.

Officer Alex Hamzy died at the scene. The eight-year veteran is survived by his wife, Katie.

Sgt. Dustin DeMonte died at a hospital. He was married to Laurie, had two children, and another the way.

Condolences were offered to his parents and aunt, who were gracious in their grief as they arrived at Bristol Police Department.

Officer Alec Iurota was injured. First responders cheered as he was released from a Hartford hospital around noon.

All three officers frequented Uncle Sam's Restaurant, which is posting blue hearts to show love and support.

"I'm angry, because these were amazing men. I'm gonna cry. Family men. We're gonna wake up next week, a month from now, be fine, while these women and children have lost a father, a husband, a son,' restaurant owner Bika Stergos said.

State police believe the suspects lured the officers to their home with a 911 call reporting a fake domestic disturbance. Once the officers arrived, they were ambushed. 

Nicholas Brutcher, 35, was shot killed at the scene, and his younger brother, 32-year-old Nathan Brutcher, was wounded. He was taken to St. Francis Hospital with unknown injuries. 

CBS2's Tony Aiello reports from Bristol, where there are symbols grief that no first responder ever wants to see. Black bunting, flowers and candles all sit outside the police department. 

Army veteran Mike Erosenko stopped by to offer a heartfelt salute. 

"I served, these officers served, they paid the ultimate price. It's the right thing to do, they keep us safe," he told Aiello. 

There are still many unknowns after the Wednesday night shooting at 310 Redstone Hill Road. A man called 911 to report an issue with his brother. When police arrived, the brother opened fire. 

"Ten to 15 rapid 'bang, bang, bang, bang.' It stopped for maybe a minute, then another 15 to 20 'bang, bang, bang, bang.' And then one single shot," said Bristol resident Ken Przygocki.

At one point, a SWAT team could be seen approaching the rental home on a quiet neighborhood. 

Connecticut State Police offered few details. 

"Shots were fired, fatally wounding one officer on scene," State Police Sgt. Christine Jeltema said. "The suspect was fatally shot and pronounced deceased at the scene."

Sgt. Dustin DeMonte was killed. He was married to wife Laura with two children and a third on the way. 

Aiello offered condolences to his parents and aunt, who were gracious in their grief as they arrived at the Bristol police department around 9:30 a.m. Thursday. 

Also killed was Officer Alex Hamzy, part of a well known and highly regarded family. He is survived by his wife, Katie. 

A third officer was injured -- 26-year-old Alex Iurato. 

Mayor Jeff Caggiano spoke on behalf of the grieving city. 

We're united in immeasurable grief for those hero officers, for their families, for their friends, and for all of our law enforcement personnel," he said.

One ray of hope on this awful day -- Officer Iurato was released from St. Francis Hospital around 11 a.m., cheered on by brothers and sisters who wear the uniform. His recovery journey will no doubt be physical and mental. 

We still do not know the name of the suspect who was shot and killed, nor the status of his brother, who was also injured. 

Our sister station, WFSB, reports injured Officer Alec Iurato has been released from the hospital to a round of applause. 

Sen. Richard Blumenthal released the following statement offering his condolences: 

"The deaths of Sergeant Dustin Demonte and Officer Alex Hamzy break our hearts and reinforce our deep and significant support for law enforcement as they brave countless dangers to protect public safety. Today is a tragic day and we must honor the sacrifice of both officers, as well as Officer Alec Iurato, who was seriously injured in the line of duty. These police heroes answered the call, as do countless other officers every hour, every day, never knowing fully what they may face. Our prayers are with the officers and their families as they navigate this incredibly difficult time."

NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell says the department is "standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Bristol Police Department as they mourn the loss of two officers who were killed in the line of duty. Our prayers are with them and the communities these fallen heroes proudly served."

Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould identified the victims as 35-year-old Sgt. Dustin DeMonte and 34-year-old Officer Alex Hamzy. 

He said the injured officer is 26-year-old Alec Iurato.

"Today our hearts are broken. We're united in immeasurable grief for those hero officers, for their families, for their friends, and for all of our law enforcement personnel. We pray for them," Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano said. "Bristol and the entire nation needs to wrap our arms around them, as well as our own loved ones."

"Words cannot express the sadness and grief that brings me before you this morning. Sadly, we lost two exceptional Bristol police officers and a third was seriously injured as a result of senseless violence," said Bristol Police Department Chief Brian Gould. "My role at this point, is to tell you about these wonderful, brave individuals."

The chief identified the victims as 35-year-old Sgt. Dustin DeMonte and 34-year-old Officer Alex Hamzy. The injured officer is 26-year-old Alec Iurato.

Gould said DeMonte was a school resource officer and an advisor for the department's explorer cadet program. He received several awards during his career, and wanted to further his education. He is survived by his wife, two children and had another on the way. 

Gould said Hamzy grew up in Bristol, also helped with the cadet program and received numerous recognitions. He leaves behind a wife, as well. 

The chief said Iurato underwent surgery for a "serious gunshot wound" and is currently recovering. 

"Our men and women of the Bristol Police Department are privileged to serve on the frontlines protecting and serving the community of Bristol, and that's what these heroes did last night. They answered a call to duty, and they responded without hesitation," Gould added. "That's what they did every night before that, and that's what all our officers do and will continue to do day after day."

Authorities say the Bristol Police Department received a 911 call at 10:29 p.m. about a possible domestic dispute between two siblings at 310 Redstone Hill Road. 

Officers responded, and were immediately met by someone outside the address. 

Shots were fired, killing one officer on the scene. 

Two other officers were taken to area hospitals, where one was pronounced dead and the other was listed in serious condition. 

Police said the suspect was fatally shot. The suspect's brother was also shot and taken to the hospital. His status is unknown. 

"This is an isolated incident, and we want the community to know that there is no threat to their community," Connecticut State Police Sgt. Christine Jeltema said.

Gov. Ned Lamont ordered flags to be flown at half staff in their honor. 

"The loss of two officers from the Bristol Police Department who were killed in the line of duty while responding to an emergency call of domestic violence is a senseless tragedy, and my prayers are with their families, loved ones, and fellow officers," he said in a statement. "I also ask the residents of Connecticut to keep in their prayers a third officer who was shot while responding to this emergency and is currently in the hospital with serious injuries. This is a devastating reminder of the dangers that police officers face every day to protect our families and neighbors from all kinds of situations. These officers are heroes and will always be remembered for the honorable service they provided to their town and their state. This continues to be an active situation, and I've directed DESPP Commissioner James Rovella and the Connecticut State Police to support the Bristol Police Department and greater community in every way they can."

Connecticut State Police say two officers were killed and one was seriously hurt in a shooting overnight in Bristol. 

"We ask your thoughts and prayers be with the families, the officer and all those impacted," the department tweeted.

 The scene is a residential area, about a mile and a half from the ESPN headquarters. 

Crews from our sister station say they saw a SWAT team surrounding a home late Wednesday night with guns drawn. It's unclear how the house is connected to the shooting, or if anyone other than the officers was shot.