Posted on November 9, 2004

Police: Argument Over Dog Precedes Fatal Shooting

AP, Nov. 8

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A New Haven police officer shot and killed a man in an elevator at a public housing complex Monday after the two argued over the officer’s dog, state police said.

The incident happened about 4 p.m. as the officer was moving into the building as part of a city program that has police officers living among public housing residents.

State police spokesman Sgt. J. Paul Vance said the man complained about the officer’s dog and, after the two entered an elevator, the man drew a knife.

“The victim made an advance toward the officer with a weapon. The officer drew his service weapon and fatally wounded the individual,” Vance said.

State police have taken over the investigation. The officer, who has been on the force about two years, was not injured and placed on adminstrative leave.

Neither identities have been released.