A 52-year-old Norwalk man was arrested Wednesday evening after police say he fired a handgun during a domestic dispute on Old Saugatuck Road, striking a pit bull that allegedly bit him on the leg. The incident prompted a multi-agency response, the recovery of a firearm, and several criminal charges, according to a statement released by Norwalk Police.
Norwalk Police Lt. Tomasz Podgorski said officers were dispatched to a residence on Old Saugatuck Road at approximately 6:55 p.m. following a report of a domestic disturbance involving a gunshot. When officers arrived, they found a large brown pit bull suffering from a gunshot wound to its shoulder. Officers immediately rendered aid to the injured dog, applying pressure to the wound and working to stabilize the animal before transporting it to the VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center. Veterinary staff later reported that the dog was in stable condition.
Police identified the suspect as Jeffrey Vigil, a Norwalk resident. Vigil was later charged with criminal possession of a firearm, criminal violation of a restraining order, and disorderly conduct. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing as detectives continue to review the circumstances surrounding the domestic dispute and the discharge of the weapon.
Police Response and Aid Rendered to Injured Dog
According to police, the initial call indicated that a domestic dispute had escalated to the point where a firearm was discharged inside or near the residence. Responding officers prioritized securing the scene and addressing any immediate threats. Upon locating the wounded pit bull, officers shifted focus to providing emergency care to the animal while also beginning their investigation.
Lt. Podgorski emphasized that officers acted quickly to assist the dog, noting that pressure was applied to control bleeding before the animal was transported by police to an emergency veterinary facility. The decision to personally transport the dog underscored the urgency of the situation and the seriousness of the injury. Police later confirmed that the dog survived the incident and was reported to be in stable condition following treatment.
Authorities said the dog’s injury was the direct result of a single gunshot wound to the shoulder. Investigators recovered one 9mm shell casing at the scene, which was documented as evidence by city detectives. The presence of the shell casing supported reports that a firearm had been discharged during the disturbance.
Police have not released details about the victim involved in the domestic dispute or the nature of their relationship with Vigil, citing the ongoing investigation. However, Podgorski stated that the disturbance involved Vigil and another individual at the residence, during which the dog allegedly bit Vigil on the leg. It was during this sequence of events, police said, that Vigil fired the gun, striking the animal.
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After the shot was fired, Jeffrey Vigil fled the scene before officers arrived. Norwalk Combined Dispatch broadcast his vehicle information to surrounding law enforcement agencies in an effort to locate him quickly. The coordinated effort led to Vigil being located by Greenwich police a short time later.
Investigation Details and Arrest in Greenwich
Once Jeffrey Vigil fled the Old Saugatuck Road residence, Norwalk police worked with neighboring departments to track him down. Greenwich police located Vigil shortly after the alert was issued, bringing the immediate search to an end. During the encounter, officers in Greenwich found Vigil in possession of a Glock handgun, police said. The firearm was secured as evidence, and Vigil was taken into custody without further incident. Authorities said Vigil was transported to Greenwich Hospital for treatment related to the injury he sustained during the encounter with the dog.
The nature and severity of his injury have not been disclosed. Following his medical evaluation, Vigil was transported back to Norwalk, where he was processed at Norwalk Police headquarters. Investigators documented the recovered handgun, the shell casing found at the scene, and other evidence connected to the incident. Detectives continue to review witness statements, physical evidence, and the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
Police confirmed that Vigil was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, criminal violation of a restraining order, and disorderly conduct. The restraining order violation suggests that Vigil was legally prohibited from certain actions or contact at the time of the incident, though police have not released specifics about the order or whom it protected. Lt. Podgorski said Vigil was held on a $150,000 bond pending his arraignment in court on Thursday. Court records are expected to provide additional details regarding the charges and any conditions imposed as the case proceeds through the judicial system.
Legal Implications and Ongoing Case Review
The charges filed against Vigil reflect several serious allegations under Connecticut law. Criminal possession of a firearm typically involves possession or use of a weapon in violation of legal restrictions, which can include prior convictions, restraining orders, or other prohibitions. A conviction on this charge can carry significant penalties, depending on the circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history.
The charge of criminal violation of a restraining order indicates that police believe Vigil knowingly breached a court-issued order designed to protect another individual. Violations of restraining orders are treated seriously by courts, particularly in cases involving domestic disputes, as they are intended to prevent escalation and ensure the safety of those involved.
Disorderly conduct, while generally considered a lower-level offense, often accompanies incidents involving disturbances, threats, or violent behavior. In this case, police allege that Vigil’s actions during the domestic dispute met the legal threshold for the charge. Police have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Lt. Podgorski stated that detectives are still reviewing all aspects of the case, including the events leading up to the dog bite, the decision to discharge the firearm, and Vigil’s actions after the incident.
The condition of the pit bull remains a point of public interest. Police confirmed only that the dog was stable following treatment at the veterinary emergency center. It has not been disclosed whether the dog belonged to Vigil, the alleged victim, or another party, nor whether animal control officials are involved in assessing the dog’s future care or custody. Authorities have also not released information about whether children were present at the residence during the dispute or whether any additional weapons were recovered. These details may emerge as the case moves forward and more information becomes available through court proceedings.
Norwalk police continue to urge residents to report domestic disputes promptly and to avoid situations where conflicts escalate to violence. The department reiterated the importance of complying with restraining orders and firearm laws, emphasizing that violations can result in serious criminal consequences. As Vigil awaits arraignment, the case remains under active investigation. Police said further updates will be provided if additional information becomes available or if new charges are filed.
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