Groton Police Identify 51-Year-Old “Heavily Armed” CT Man Who Sought “Death By Cop”

News Release City of Groton Police Department:

Arrested: Robert J. Patterson DOB 4/19/1966 age 52, 17 Fleming Court, Groton, Ct 06340.

On May 25th, 2018 at approximately 0518 hours the City of Groton Police Department received a call from a female caller stating her estranged boyfriend was heavily armed and acting irrationally.

City of Groton Police responded to the residence at approximately 0523 hours on a welfare check, and it was determined that a male was in the residence, who was despondent and believed to be armed, and had indicated he sought “death by cop”. Personnel on scene began to assemble a protective perimeter immediately, and commence discussion with the party who was already wanted on Domestic Violence charges inside the residence. Mutual aid was called for and our agency assisted by members of Groton Town Police Department in establishing a protective operational perimeter. We began to make continued contact with the party who was barricaded in the home and armed, and sought a peaceful resolution to the issue. With the time period now entering 0630 hours a reverse 911 was utilized to order a shelter in place.

To extend the perimeter we withdrew our personnel on scene and with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police Emergency Services Unit a SWAT team and Hostage negotiator were brought in to assist. City of Groton Police with the assistance of Connecticut State Police personnel also safely evacuated nearby residences. After extensive discussion at approximately 0943 hours the subject surrendered peacefully to police on scene and an Arrest Warrant from a previous incident served on the accused. Accused was arrested without incident and with no injuries to anyone on scene. We thank both the Groton Town Police Department and the Connecticut State Police Emergency Services Unit and Troop E for their help in this outcome. We also thank the City of Groton Fire Department and City of Groton Highway Department with their valuable assistance this morning. Investigation is continuing into the matter as weapons will be recovered from within the residence.

Arrest Warrant Charges: Strangulation Second Degree
Disorderly Conduct
Criminal Mischief Third Degree
Court Set bond $10,000

Charges related to incident today currently are:
Reckless Endangerment First Degree
Breach of Peace
Bond $50,000