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Soulemane Murbarak,19, of New Haven, was shot and killed on Wednesday, Jan. 15, following a pursuit, first with Norwalk police and then state police, said the Connecticut State Police.
State police said the incident that led to the shooting began around 4:30 p.m. when the Norwalk Police broadcast an alert for a stolen vehicle they had attempted to stop following a carjacking and disturbance at a store.
According to initial reports, Norwalk officers had responded to a reported armed carjacking. Norwalk officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the driver engaged officers in pursuit before Norwalk supervisors ended the chase.
A state police dispatcher spoke with Norwalk Police regarding their BOLO and was told Murbarak was armed with a knife.
Normally, state police don't pursue stolen vehicles by state law unless the person has committed, or will commit a violent crime.
Soon afterward, state police dispatchers in Bridgeport began to receive calls reporting a white Hyundai was traveling northbound on I-95 in a reckless manner; driving both along the right shoulder and center median at a high rate of speed, police said.
Troopers were able to get behind the vehicle in the vicinity of Exit 36.
When troopers attempted to stop the Hyundai it hit two state police cars and continued northbound before exiting in West Haven.
On Campbell Avenue, the Hyundai struck a civilian’s vehicle and police were able to box in his vehicle.
State police and West Haven Police attempted to get Murbarak out of the vehicle and initially deployed a Taser, which was ineffective.
When Murbarak pulled a knife, a trooper on the scene discharged his duty pistol, striking Murbarak, the department said.
Murbarak was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital where he died from his injuries, the department added.
There were no reported injuries to civilians, troopers, or officers on the scene.
The trooper who shot Murbarak has been with the department for more than four years. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
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