Three Bristol police officers—Brian Jones, Vincenzo Infante, and Daniel Perkins– received awards at the Aug. 19 Board of Police Commissioners regular meeting for their actions in responding to an incident involving a firearm on July 10.
Each officer received a Letter of Commendation and Officer of the Month Award for their “outstanding work performance above the normal course of duty that is an example to all other employees, placing the Bristol Police Department in a positive light,” according to a press release from the police department.
On July 10, a press release from the department explained, Bristol police dispatch received a 911 call that was disconnected by the caller. Dispatchers were unable to make contact with the source of the 911 call and per department policy dispatched officers to check on the caller, said the release.
Officers Jones and Infante responded to the address and knocked on the apartment door, police said. A male opened the door and displayed a handgun –the handgun was not aimed at the officers, said police. The male ignored verbal commands given by the officers to drop the weapon, release said. “The officers, at great risk to their own safety, then attempted to physically subdue the male and gain control of the handgun.”
“As the two officers attempted to control this male, a female walked into the room – also carrying a handgun. She did comply with officers instructions to put the handgun down,” said the department’s release.
Officer Perkins arrived on scene to assist and the three officers were able to disarm the male, secure the firearm, and take the male into custody.