Police have identified the man who was shot by a Danbury Police Officer who allegedly assaulted clients of a local treatment facility before brandishing two large knives.

According to a press release from Connecticut State Police, 31-year-old Aaron Bouffard allegedly began to assault several people inside of MCCA Drug and alcohol rehabilitation center located at 38 Old Ridgebury Rd on Wednesday (July 3).

When Danbury officers responded to the 911 calls, they searched the general vicinity and surrounding area of the facility for the suspect. At around 10:45 , they say they encountered Bouffard in a recreational soccer field near Old Ridgebury Rd. and Reserve Rd. around 10:45 AM.

At the time of the encounter, police say Bouffard was armed with two large knifes and when officers approached him, they did everything they could to verbally deescalate the incident, but he refused all orders to stop and drop the weapons. At some point during that exchange, officer Alex Relyea of the Danbury PD fired his weapon, shooting Bouffard in the thigh, pelvis area and finger. He was reportedly treated at the scene before being transported to Danbury Hospital. He was later transferred to Yale New Haven Hospital for further evalutation.

As the investigation by the Connecticut State Police and the Danbury State's Attorney continues, Officer Relyea has been reportedly placed on paid administrative leave.

The CT State Police also note that Officer Relyea was involved in a use of force incident on December 29, 2018.

During that particular unrelated incident, a Danbury man was shot and killed at Glen Apartment Complex. Police say that the man brandished a large knife and was ordered by police to drop the weapon multiple times, but allegedly refused to do so. At that point, police say Officer Guss attempted to use her taser, but that did not stop him, and he allegedly continued to make a move towards both of the responding officers. That is when officer Relyea reportedly fired his duty pistol, shooting the Danbury man three times in order to protect themselves and any one else in the vicinity.

During the confrontation, a female tenant of Glen Apartment Complex, who is a relative of the man who was shot, also suffered a gunshot wound. Both people were rushed to Danbury Hospital, where the man was pronounced deceased.

According to the State Police, Officer Alex Relyea has been a police officer with the City of Danbury since 08/06/2014. He has received multiple commendations, including a Meritorious Citation on 03/29/2015 for arresting three juveniles involved in numerous burglaries, a Letter of Appreciation for going above & beyond with patrol checks at Tarrywile Park due to suspicious activity that resulted in two prostitution arrests, and a Unit Citation on 03/02/2017 for his actions resulting in the arrest of a male who had been threatening several people with a loaded firearm.

As it relates to the July 3rd use of force incident, Aaron Bouffard was arrested upon being discharged from Yale New Haven Hospital. In connection with his alleged involvement in the reported assault at MCCA treatment facility, he has been charged with third degree assault, threatening, disorderly conduct and breach of peace. Bouffard was held on a $250,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday, July 10 at Danbury Superior Court. Police say that additional charges related to the officer involved shooting are pending. This incident remains an ongoing investigation.

Watch Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour's press conference regarding last week's incident here:

 

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