Crime & Safety

State Police Identify Farmington Man Killed in Police-Involved Shooting

The 3 Butternut Drive incident that stemmed from reports of domestic violence remains under investigation.

Police responded to the home at about 10:43 p.m. on Thursday to investigate reports of a domestic violence situation at 3 Butternut Drive between a father and son. Bendas resided at the home, according to a press release State Police sent to media on Friday. 

When Farmington police officers arrived at the home, they confronted Bendas, who was in the front yard of his home brandishing a handgun. After refusing to cooperate with police, who told him multiple times to drop his weapon, he raised the gun "in a threatening manner toward the officers," according to State Police. A Farmington officer then fired shots at him in reaction to the threat, State Police said. 

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Bendas was "pronounced dead at the scene," suffering multiple gunshot wounds. 

Farmington police secured the scene and notified the State's Attorney in Hartford, who, along with Farmington Police Chief Paul Melanson, requested that State Police investigate. Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad detectives are conducting an investigation into the "use of force" incident because a police officer was involved in the fatal shooting.

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The detectives came to the scene to interview witnesses, process the scene and search for "physical forensic evidence," State Police said. Investigators have also conducted other "appropriate searches" related to the case, according to State Police

The Office of the Chief State's Medical Examiner in Farmington will do an autopsy on the body to "determine the manner and cause of death," State Police said. 

None of the Farmington police officers who responded to the domestic incident were injured. State Police have not released the name of the officer involved in the shooting, but said that the person "will be temporarily assigned to administrative duty" per Farmington Police Department policy. 

"His identity is being withheld at this time to allow for proper notifications," State Police said in the release. 

State Police continue to investigate and request that anyone with information or who witnessed the shooting contact the State Police Major Crime unit at 860-685-8190. 

"All calls will be kept confidential," the press release stated. 


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