7 Norwich officers on administrative leave following deadly shooting

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) -- 7 Norwich police officers are on leave following a deadly shooting. That shooting marks the fourth officer involved shooting in the city in just over a year.

7 officers is a lot to lose on one shift and it's causing Norwich police to have to shift people around.

A cross now marks the spot where 52-year-old Michael Dugas died. Police say they tried to communicate with the despondent man, but when he pointed a gun at them, they opened fire. Now 7 officers are on administrative leave.

"On evening shift usually can run anywhere from 12 to 16 officers so it is an impact, a significant impact. Department wide it's about 10 percent of the patrol force," said Capt. Patrick Daley, Norwich Police.

Capt. Daley says they will make sure there is no short staffing and no impact on public safety and do all that with no overtime.

"We're looking at some creative staffing. Redeploying personnel from other jobs temporarily," said Capt. Daley.

Whether or not all 7 officers fired shots or hit the suspect is still under investigation but they were all on duty and they were all there which is why now they are all on administrative leave.

"This is a traumatic experience it really brings home the dangers officers face everyday," said Capt. Daley.

The trauma may be compounded because many on this shift were also involved in the shooting last month in which Officer Jonathan Ley was injured.

"We would like to not rush people back and give them time to get through everything," said Capt. Daley.

With some police shootings, the officer involved is put on desk duty during the investigation but the captain says each situation is different and these officers are expected to return to work while the investigation continues.