PD: Suspect tried to run down mother, officer

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) -- State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in the parking lot of William W. Backus Hospital.

Police were called to the hospital shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday morning to investigate a suspicious person in the parking lot.

Police say the man, who has not yet been identified, refused to get out of his running car.

The officer, the suspect and the suspect's mother were talking when a police cruiser pulled up behind the car. That's when the suspect suddenly backed into the cruiser and then drove forward. The officer was able to push the woman out of harms way, and then drew his gun.

The officer was hit by the car's side mirror and that's when he fired two shots at the suspect.

"[The suspect] went directly at the officers. The officer pushed the mother out of the way and subsequently fired two rounds in an effort to stop the vehicle," said Chief Louis Fusaro of the Norwich Police. "He did stop the vehicle. The gentleman has an injury, but we don't believe it's life threatening."

As for the officer, he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The State Police Major Crime Squad is conducting the investigation into the incident.

The hospital remained open throughout the incident and never went into lockdown.