Chimp severely injures woman

Stamford (WTNH) - A 200 pound chimpanzee was shot to death after it severely injured a woman in Stamford late this afternoon.

The chimp, known as Travis, was shot by police when it brutally attacked 55-year-old Charla Nash. She is a friend of the animal's owner, 55-year-old Sandra Herold. Nash came over to try to help coax Travis back indoors after he escaped his Rockrimmon Road residence.

Nash was exiting her car when Travis came up and attacked her.

"The owner says her friend came over and normally wears her hair very long," Captain Richard Conklin said. "Today she had it up and it completely changed [her] appearance and she felt the chimp did not recognize her; again, that’s the owner’s opinion."

The chimp then made its way over to a police car and tried to force entry. An officer shot the animal several times.

Herold was treated for shock and a heart attack. The officer, who shot 14-year-old Travis, was also treated for shock. Nash remains in serious condition.

Meanwhile, many may wonder why Herold had this wild animal in the first place. Friends revealed to News Channel 8 that she loved chimps and paid thousands of dollars for Travis 10-years ago. They also say her husband and daughter had both passed on and Travis was like a child to her.

Police are now reviewing the laws as to whether charges apply in this case.