Jared Michael Billard Obituary – The man who was fatally shot by an officer in Colchester has been identified as Jared Michael Billard, a 33-year-old individual, according to the Office of Inspector General. A body cam video capturing the incident has been provided and Channel 3 is currently reviewing its contents. On Wednesday, the office released its initial report on the use of deadly force during the incident.
The shooting occurred on April 18.
According to the office’s statement, Colchester police were called to 759 Norwich Ave. around 6:15 p.m. on that day in response to a disturbance report. Upon arrival, they spoke to a tenant on the second floor who reported that their landlord, Jared Billard, had been behaving erratically since earlier in the afternoon. The office further stated that at one point, Billard lit a grill on the common deck area of the residence and left it unattended.
Around 5:20 p.m., Billard emerged from his basement apartment, started grilling again, and got into a confrontation with the second-floor tenant. The office mentioned that he allegedly pushed the tenant and displayed throwing knives. Colchester police officers were then called to the scene by the second-floor tenant. They were directed to the basement where Billard resided.
The officers cautiously entered the basement and engaged in conversation with Billard, who was behind a closed door. While speaking to Billard, they heard the sound of a pump action shotgun being loaded.
According to the office’s report, Billard then made the statement, “Here we go. This is you. This ain’t me,” and emerged from the basement apartment door, pointing the shotgun at Colchester officer Kiruluss Wassef, who was positioned at the bottom of the basement stairs.
“At this moment, Officer Wassef discharged one round, striking Billard in the upper chest area,” stated the inspector general.
The officers immediately provided medical assistance to Billard, who was later transported to Backus Hospital in Norwich. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.