Wallingford, Connecticut — On October 16, 2023, at approximately 2:37 a.m., the Wallingford Police Department received a distressing 911 call. The caller reported that a man had shot himself in the face at a residence located on 132 North Airline Road. In response to the call, Officers Gordon McCaskill and Robert Bellucci were dispatched to the scene to investigate the incident.
Upon their arrival, the officers engaged in conversation with a female witness who informed them that her boyfriend, identified as 62-year-old Donald Passmore, had shot himself in their bedroom. With this information in mind, the officers entered the house and made themselves known as law enforcement officers. They immediately asked, “where’s the gun?” as they proceeded towards the bedroom door where Passmore was lying on the bed.
For the next nine minutes, officers McCaskill and Bellucci communicated with Passmore, ensuring his compliance with their instructions. They repeatedly instructed Passmore to raise his hands in the air and emphasized the importance of not touching the firearm near him. However, at 2:54 a.m., the situation escalated when Passmore failed to comply with the officers’ orders. In response to his non-compliance, a total of approximately 10 rounds were fired at Passmore.
Following the discharge of the rounds, the officers discovered a .22 caliber revolver on the bed. Recognizing the severity of the situation, personnel from the Wallingford Police Department immediately provided medical assistance to Passmore until the arrival of Emergency Medical Services. However, despite their efforts, Passmore succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced dead at 3:37 a.m. after being transported to MidState Medical Center in Meriden.
This tragic incident highlights the complex and intense nature of law enforcement responses to situations involving firearms. The officers involved were faced with a challenging scenario where they had to balance their duty to protect the community and themselves while also attempting to de-escalate the situation. Their primary focus was to ensure the safety of all parties involved and prevent any further harm.
In hindsight, it is important to analyze the events leading up to the use of deadly force. The officers’ repeated commands and attempts to establish control over the situation were thoroughly documented. However, it is crucial to continue investigating the incident to determine if there were any alternative approaches that could have been taken to avoid the use of lethal force.
The Wallingford Police Department will conduct a comprehensive internal investigation to ensure that all policies and protocols were adhered to during the incident. This investigation will explore the officers’ actions, their adherence to training procedures, and whether there were any underlying factors that contributed to the tragic outcome.
By conducting this investigation, the Wallingford Police Department aims to provide transparency and accountability to the community. It is imperative to maintain public trust and confidence in law enforcement agencies through a thorough and unbiased examination of incidents involving the use of lethal force.
Additionally, this incident emphasizes the importance of ensuring that law enforcement agencies receive proper training and resources to effectively respond to crisis situations. Providing officers with de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention training, and mental health crisis response training can help equip them with the necessary skills to navigate high-stress encounters.
In conclusion, the case of Donald Passmore’s death reminds us of the inherent challenges and risks faced by law enforcement officers. It underlines the significance of comprehensive investigations into incidents involving the use of lethal force and highlights the need for continuous training and resource allocation to law enforcement agencies. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and improved training, we can strive towards safer and more effective law enforcement practices.
