Manchester, Connecticut — On Sunday, July 16, 2023, Manchester Police Officer Haylee Ouellette responded to a call about a domestic disturbance at 243-A North Main Street. When Officer Ouellette arrived at the scene, she entered the residence and was confronted by a 58-year-old man named Joseph Diloreto who was armed with a knife. Diloreto immediately became aggressive towards Officer Ouellette and slapped her hand away when she reached out to stop him. He even yelled at her to shoot him.
In an attempt to defuse the situation, Officer Ouellette deployed her taser, but it did not have any effect on Diloreto. Diloreto continued to advance towards Officer Ouellette with the knife in hand, prompting her to retreat to an adjacent courtyard. Throughout the ordeal, Officer Ouellette repeatedly commanded Diloreto to drop the knife, but he ignored her orders and continued to approach her while shouting at her to hit him.
In order to protect herself, Officer Ouellette finally discharged her handgun multiple times, hitting Diloreto in the upper left thigh. Diloreto fell to the ground, allowing Officer Ouellette to secure the knife and handcuff him. Manchester Fire EMS arrived at the scene and provided medical treatment to Diloreto before he was transported to Hartford Hospital. Fortunately, his injuries were not life-threatening.
Diloreto was released from Hartford Hospital on Tuesday, and he now faces several charges, including Threatening in the Second Degree, Criminal Attempt to Commit Assault in the First Degree, and Assault of Public Safety Personnel. He is currently being held at the Manchester Police Department on a $250,000 court-set bond and is expected to be arraigned in Manchester Superior Court on Wednesday, unless he can post bond.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. Officer Ouellette showed remarkable bravery in the face of a potentially lethal situation. Despite being confronted by an armed individual who was acting aggressively towards her, she attempted to use non-lethal force by deploying her taser. When that failed to subdue Diloreto, Officer Ouellette made the difficult decision to use lethal force to protect herself and ensure the safety of others.
In situations like these, police officers are constantly forced to make split-second decisions that can have life-altering consequences. The goal is always to achieve a peaceful resolution, but officers must be prepared to use force when necessary to protect themselves or others. The incident also highlights the importance of proper training and equipment for law enforcement officers. Officer Ouellette’s training allowed her to assess the threat level accurately and respond accordingly.
The video footage of the incident provides a valuable visual record of the event, allowing for a thorough investigation to take place. It provides crucial evidence in determining the legality and appropriateness of the use of force in this particular case. The availability of such evidence helps ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
It is essential to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices that police officers make in order to protect and serve their communities. They put their lives on the line daily to maintain law and order and ensure public safety. Instances such as this emphasize the need for respect and support towards law enforcement officers who perform their duties with courage and integrity.
In conclusion, Officer Haylee Ouellette’s response to the domestic disturbance call on July 16, 2023, showcases the challenges that law enforcement officers face on a regular basis. It also highlights the importance of proper training, equipment, and the ability to make split-second decisions. The incident serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication displayed by police officers in protecting their communities. As the investigation into this incident continues, it is crucial to recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and to support their efforts to ensure public safety.
