NORWICH — During Tuesday's Common Council meeting, members of the Norwich Police Department were commended for their actions during an armed stand off along Cortland Street last week.

According to police during the incident officers had a loaded shotgun aimed at them, and it was fired once by a suspect into a wall. The man was taken into custody a short time later while attempting to flee. No one was seriously injured.

The incident occurred on Thursday, June 10, when one officer responded to a 911 call at 75 Cortland Street. Upon arrival, he first made contact with a neighbor, who warned him the suspect may be armed, according to Norwich Police Chief Rodney Marsh.

"The individual called 911, wasn't really making sense over the phone, saying he didn't feel safe, he wanted police there. So we're like, okay we'll send officers over and have them talk to you. And that's really what the initial call is, that's why only one officer went," said Marsh. "He talked to the neighbor before he made contact with him and found out that he was armed."

From there, more officers responded. Marsh said the NPD officers involved included Detective Matthew Roberts, Sergeant Ryan Legacy, Officer Steve Rounds, Officer Tyler Dexheimer, and Detective Reuben Roach.

Officers were able to bring the suspect into custody without injury. Their efforts and teamwork drew praise from council members, the mayor, and Assemblyman Joe Angelino.

"I felt it was really important that we recognize the officers who responded, and the City of Norwich Police Department for what they did. This could have been fatal quickly and I just, I felt it was important to have the officers here, or at least officers that were representing the police department, to recognize them for what they endured and how they brought this to a quick resolution," said Alderman Matthew Caldwell.

Alderman Brian Doliver also thanked officers, and stated that the incident had affected him due to the close proximity to his own home.

"I personally want to thank the officers myself. I talked to them here the other day. People ask me why I support public safety- these are the reasons why, okay. I always have supported the public's safety and I always will," said Doliver. "This was actually two houses from my house, so it doesn't mean that I wouldn't support it any other way, but this really hit home for me. Thank you."

Angelino said when he heard about the incident, he felt inclined to visit Norwich personally and thank the responding officers and department himself.

"I was in Albany I believe it was last weekend, and one of the nights, late at night, I got a news alert that an officer was on a check the welfare complaint in Broome County, and had been shot. And I think it was less than 48 hours later, I get a text message that Norwich police officers were involved in gunfire at a check the welfare complaint. And I was very grateful, the way it turned out, as everybody I’m sure is," said Angelino.

"And when I heard this, I wanted to come here and make sure that I publicly commended the police officers for the terrific job they do. So I have a citation honoring the Norwich Police Department, on their exemplary service and outstanding teamwork, and securing the Norwich community," he added.

Angelino also pointed out that while the resolution of this incident was a positive one, they don't always turn out that way.

"I’m happy to be here to commend the officers for their brilliant actions of saving a life and not taking a life. But I want to let everybody know, it doesn’t always have to end that way," Angelino explained. "It could’ve been much different. A split second decision that would be dissected for years later, but let’s just be thankful that the outcome was as it was, even with a round being fired."

According to Chief Marsh, being a police officer has only been made more difficult in the past year, but he recognizes that the officers of the NPD still work to protect the public every day, despite the stigma.

"Theres a lot of negativity against police officers, and these officers go out every day, knowing that there's the stigma that the media's pushing. But they're out there doing the job every day. You know, the long hours, time away from their family, and stuff like that," said Marsh. "To keep Norwich safe. And that's why they're doing it."

Marsh also cited the bail reform, which allows offenders to be released from custody very quickly after arrest. Marsh stated that watching this happen is like "a gut punch," and can affect the officer's motivation to keep going. Despite this, Marsh said the job is still rewarding when justice is served.

"Especially when you have a victim in a case, and you can- you help them through the beginning to the end," he explained. "And to be able to go back to the victim and say, you know, this is what happened, this person, this is who did it, they've been arrested, they're going to be held accountable. To be able to give the satisfaction back to the victims, you know, they may get some kind of justice out of what happened to them."

During the meeting, Marsh and Norwich Police Department officers were presented with a citation certificate from Angelino, thanking them for their service. Officers were also honored with a standing ovation from all who were present at the meeting.

The recognition of the NPD ended with several remarks of praise and thanks from council members.

Mayor Shawn Sastri extended his gratitude to the officers, saying, "Thank you for keeping our streets safe. We appreciate it."

"Thank you so much for what you do," said Alderman Robert Jeffrey. "We're glad to have you in our department, and our neighborhoods are safer because of it."

For more information on the incident, check out our archive: https://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2021-06-11/34878/Man-charged-after-armed-stand-off-with-police-in-Norwich