Knife wielding man killed by trooper

TORRINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- A 78-year-old man was killed when he was shot by a state trooper along Route 8 in Torrington. The man was wielding a knife and allegedly charged at the trooper.

Route 8 heading north between exits 42 and 44 was closed while police investigated the incident. The road reopened around 6 p.m. The southbound lanes were not affected.

State Police Lieutenant Clayton Brown was driving on the exit 43 on ramp to Route 8 north around 9 a.m. when he saw 78-year-old Frank Escribano walking along the road carrying a knife. Brown was alone on patrol.

Brown pulled over and stopped all northbound traffic behind him. When he got out of his cruiser, police say Escribano started to approach Brown in a threatening manner.

Brown backed away while telling Escribano to put his knife down. However, Escribano didn't and Brown pulled out his gun and fired at him.

Police say Brown provided emergency care while he waiting for EMS to arrive. Escribano was transported to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington where he was pronounced dead.

Police say Brown is a veteran member of the department and presently serves as Commanding Officer at Troop B in North Cannan.

The state's medical examiner will conduct a postmortem examination on the body to determine the exact cause of death.

A use of force investigation is underway to determine if the Brown acted appropriately.

According to state police spokesman, Lt. J. Paul Vance, Brown did not have a taser. He will be on administrative duty assignment until the investigation is complete.