State Police have identified the officer who shot a suspect in Danbury last week.  The involved Danbury Police Officer has been identified as Alex Relyea, who is currently on paid administrative leave.

Officer Relyea was also involved in another use of force incident which occurred on December 29, 2018 where he was encountered by a male armed with a knife. Officers attempted to deploy a Taser which proved to be ineffective at controlling the subject. To prevent the imminent use of deadly physical force against themselves and any members of the public, Officer Relyea discharged his service pistol at the subject three times.  Despite efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries.

The July 3 incident began in response to a disturbance at the McDonough House, MCCA.  31-year old Aaron Bouffard was a client of the treatment facility for those struggling with substance abuse.  He allegedly assaulted individuals at the facility and escalated as he began wielding two “butcher” knives in the vicinity of victims.

Danbury Police encountered the suspect near a recreational soccer field walking towards them with the knives still in hand.  Despite attempts made by officers to verbally deescalate the incident, the suspect continued to advance towards officers refusing to adhere to any directives given to lay down the knives.

Bouffard was shot in the thigh, pelvis area and finger.  He was transported to Danbury Hospital and later transferred to Yale New Haven Hospital where he currently remains for further evaluation.

No arrest has been made in the use of force incident, but charges for the suspect are pending.