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Tyler Wilmot, 31, of Woodbury in Litchfield County, faces several felonies from the allegedly unprovoked attack, Connecticut State Police said.
Woodbury Police Officer Tim Wright pulled over Wilmot's Jeep Grand Cherokee just before 1:30 p.m. on North Main Street because of an improperly displayed license plate. It was a routine traffic stop until Wilmot got out and approached Wright's cruiser.
Wilmot was angry and refused all of Wright's commands.
Then the shouting turned to violence. A fight broke out and during the melee, Wilmot pulled a knife and plunged it into Wright's throat, authorities said.
Wilmot then tried to run away.
Woodbury Officer John Covello was in the area and pulled up just after the stabbing, authorities said. Covello used his TASER on Wilmot as he tried to escape.
Now that officers had subdued the Wilmot, a new, bigger problem arose: Officer Wright needed medical attention immediately or he would die. And it was unclear how long it would take for an ambulance to reach them to get him to a nearby hospital for the emergency care he desperately needed.
Woodbury Sgt. Matthew Costella decided to put Wright in his car and speed to Waterbury Hospital, where doctors were able to save his life, police said.
Wright was in stable condition Thursday night, and he is expected to recover from his injuries, State Police said.
Wilmot was taken to St. Mary's Hospital for minor injuries from the stun gun and was released hours later.
He is charged with:
- Driving without a license
- Interfering with an officer/resisting arrest
- Assault on a public safety officer
- Criminal attempt to commit murder
- Assault in the first degree
- Several traffic infractions
A judge ordered Wilmot held on a $3 million bond, authorities said. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, Oct. 4.
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