Officer Involved Shooting Prospect, CT 10/20/2023 WARNING *Graphic Video* Viewers Discretion Advised

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GRAPHIC FOOTAGE OF AN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN PROSPECT, CT 10/20/2023

From The State of Connecticut OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL-

Preliminary Status Report Regarding the Use of Deadly Force by the Prospect Police Department on October 20, 2023 Resulting in the Death of Michael Strenk

In accordance with General Statutes §51-277a(a)(5), Inspector General Robert J. Devlin, Jr., submits this preliminary status report regarding the use of deadly force by the Prospect Police Department on October 20, 2023.

The Office of Inspector General is investigating an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of Michael Strenk, a Caucasian male, age 48.

On October 20, 2023, at approximately 4:55 p.m., Prospect Police Officers David Terni and Jonathan Slavin were dispatched to 20 Merriman Lane, Prospect on a report of a possible disturbance.

Upon arrival, they spoke to a neighbor who stated that he heard suspicious noises coming from within 20 Merriman Lane and believed that there was some sort of disturbance occurring inside.

Officer Slavin approached the rear of the house while Officer Terni approached the front. One of the front windows had been dislodged allowing an opening into the house. When asked what happened to the window, the woman inside said, “Mike did it.”

At that time, a subject, identified as Michael Strenk, opened a kitchen drawer and removed a knife. Officer Terni ordered Strenk to drop the knife. Strenk threw the knife in the direction of Officer Terni. It passed through the open window missing the officer.

At this point, Strenk charged at Officer Terni with another knife in his right hand.

Officer Terni fired two shots striking and fatally wounding Strenk.

Emergency Medical Services pronounced Strenk dead at the scene.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of Michael Strenk’s death to be: “GUNSHOT WOUND OF THE HEAD.” A copy of the Medical Examiner’s Notification to Police is atached. As of the date of this report, neither the death certificate nor the toxicological report is available.

The Office of Inspector General, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Connecticut State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad, and the Waterbury Judicial District State’s Atorney’s Office are conducting the investigation.

From The CT Chief Medical Examiner’s Office-

The Cause Of Death Has Been Certified As: GUNSHOT WOUND OF HEAD

The Manner Of Death Has Been Certified As: HOMICIDE

THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.

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