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Waterbury Police Detective Ronald Sackett, a member of the department's Auto Theft Task Force, was shot in the leg Thursday evening, Feb. 13, around 8:30 p.m., while engaging with suspects in the city’s West End, according to authorities.
Sackett and other members of the task force were investigating a carjacking where the victim someone pointed a gun at their head and stole their white Ford Explorer. Police attempted to stop the SUV when they spotted it Thursday night, but the people inside refused to pull over, authorities said.
The shooting happened later that night when officers spotted the car later that night.
Paramedics rushed the officer to a local hospital, where he remained Friday. He was listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
Three suspects were arrested at the scene. According to Waterbury police, they were:
- Sydney Reid, 18. He faces two counts of first-degree robbery, conspiracy, theft, two counts of threatening, two counts of carrying a pistol without a permit, interfering with an officer, and illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle. He is being held on a $1.5 million bond.
- Alberto Rodriguez, 19. He faces two counts of first-degree robbery, conspiracy, theft, threatening, criminal use of a weapon, carrying a pistol without a permit, interfering with an officer, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle. He is being held on a $1.5 million bond.
- Arian Perez-Feliciano, 20. He faces unlawful discharge of a firearm, two counts of first-degree robbery, conspiracy, criminal attempt at murder, assault on a police officer, interfering with law enforcement, criminal use of a firearm, reckless endangerment, two counts of carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a high-capacity magazine, and obliterating the serial number on a firearm. He is being held on a $2 million bond.
One of the men was also taken to an area hospital after they suffered minor injuries when a police dog attacked them during their arrest, authorities said.
Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski thanked the police department for its commitment to public safety and wished Detective Sackett a speedy recovery.
"I want to take a moment to commend the Waterbury Police Department for their unwavering determination and commitment to getting these dangerous criminals off our streets," he said Friday. "These individuals showed a complete disregard for human life, and it is clear they belong behind bars for a long time."
Waterbury police thanked the community for the outpouring of support.
Waterbury investigators are working with the state’s attorney's office and the Connecticut Office of the Inspector General to piece together what led to the shooting.
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