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The incident occurred in Norwalk around 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Oyster Festival.
According to Lt. Terrence Blake, of the Norwalk Police, officers working the event were notified of a fight between juveniles near the Kids Cove.
Officers responded to the area and broke up two separate fights. While escorting one of the juveniles that had been fighting out to Seaview Avenue, an officer was attacked by two men, Blake said.
During the attack, Blake said one man jumped on the officer, while the second man punched the officer in the head.
As additional officers ran to assist, one man fled into the crowd. Blake said the other man, identified as Ezekiel Syphrette, continued his assault on the officer, tearing the officer’s shirt in the process.
The officer was able to bring Syphrette, age 31, of Norwalk, to the ground with the assistance of other officers, Blake said.
While taking Syphrette to the ground, the officer’s head struck an entry gate, police said.
The officer was evaluated at Norwalk Hospital and suffered a head injury and fractured arm, Blake added.
The officer was treated and released.
“I unequivocally condemn the violent actions that occurred last night when two individuals attacked an on-duty police officer and sent him to the hospital," said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. "We demand accountability and will do everything possible to identify and charge any persons involved in this senseless act of violence.
"It's unconscionable that this happened in our community at the Oyster Festival, which is a long-standing community event in Norwalk that brings people together.
"This act of violence is counter to the principles of community, safety, and love that we espouse as Norwalkers, and as your Mayor, I will not stand for it.”
Syphrette was charged with:
- Assault on a police officer
- Interfering with a police officer
- Breach of peace
He is being held on a $100,000 bond.
This remains an ongoing investigation and anyone with any information regarding the second man is asked to contact the police at 203-854-3051.
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