Authorities are investigating a fatal police shooting in Bristol after an officer shot and killed a 43-year-old man during a welfare check at a residential property, an incident that has prompted renewed scrutiny of police decision-making and the use of deadly force.
The shooting occurred on Friday evening, October 16, at a home on Woodbridge Road in Bristol’s Chippens Hill neighborhood. The man was identified as Jakub Dziemaszkiewicz, a city resident and former U.S. Army sergeant who served in Afghanistan.
The Connecticut Office of Inspector General released a preliminary report and video footage on October 19, providing new details about the moments leading up to the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.
Welfare Check Led to Fatal Encounter
According to the preliminary report, two of Dziemaszkiewicz’s friends contacted Bristol police around 8:38 p.m. on October 16 because they were concerned about his well-being and requested that officers check on him at his residence.
One caller reportedly warned police that Dziemaszkiewicz possessed multiple firearms and might resist officers. Investigators subsequently determined that he had more than a dozen registered firearms.
Four officers responded to the property. They staged away from the residence to assess the situation and plan their approach, while a police drone was deployed to provide an aerial view of the area.
Officer Mark McGrane moved through nearby yards to observe the property. During that process, he encountered Dziemaszkiewicz near a tree line outside the home, where the man was holding a rifle, according to the preliminary findings.
Officer Fired Three Shots
The preliminary report states that McGrane repeatedly ordered Dziemaszkiewicz to drop the weapon and show his hands. The officer then fired three shots, striking the man in the head, neck and torso.
Dziemaszkiewicz was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators reported finding a rifle and a Glock semiautomatic pistol near his body.
Body-worn camera footage and video captured by the police drone were released as part of the investigation. Authorities have withheld the audio from the footage while the inquiry continues.
The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide resulting from gunshot wounds. In this context, homicide is a medical classification indicating death caused by another person; it does not by itself establish criminal wrongdoing. Toxicology results were still pending in the latest reports.
Family Remembers Army Veteran and Father
Dziemaszkiewicz served in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Afghanistan, where he reportedly sustained injuries during his military service. He was also a father of two.
Those who knew him have described aspects of his life beyond the fatal encounter, including his military service and his interests in fishing, hiking with his dogs and working on cars.
His death has left family members and friends grieving while investigators work to establish a complete account of the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
State Investigation Continues
The Connecticut Office of Inspector General is leading the investigation into the use of deadly force. The release of the preliminary report and video footage has provided additional information, but investigators have not yet completed their review.
The incident also occurred days after the fourth anniversary of the October 2022 ambush in Bristol that killed Lieutenant Dustin DeMonte and Sergeant Alex Hamzy. Officer Alec Iurato was wounded in that attack and returned fire, killing the gunman, Nicholas Brutcher.
Bristol officials have acknowledged the emotional impact of the latest incident on the police department and the wider community.
As the state investigation proceeds, authorities are expected to review the available footage, witness accounts and other evidence before issuing further findings.
