Mar 22, 2008 7:37 am US/Eastern
Mystery Surrounds Death Of Norwalk Cop
Officer Mathew Morelli Shot Friday Morning After Investigating 'Something Suspicious'
NORWALK, Conn. (CBS) ―
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Many of his fellow officers were reduced to tears after learning of the shooting death of veteran Norwalk Police Officer Mathew Morelli.
CBS
A local police officer was shot and killed early Friday morning while investigating what authorities described only as a "suspicious incident" in a parking lot.
Police in Norwalk are still processing the scene of a tragedy where a fellow brother died in the line of duty. But exactly how he died remains the unanswered question.
Outside the police station adorned by black and white bunting, the flags are at half staff, while a city mourns the loss of 38-year-old Mathew Morelli, who died near a parking lot Just after midnight Friday morning.
"It's just sad that he lost his life," Norwalk resident Marshayla Vereen said. "He was a soul."
Added resident Tomasina Banks: "My heart goes out to the family and I hope the family can get over it."
The life of the former Marine and 11-year police veteran came to a tragic end shortly after he told headquarters he was getting out of his squad car to check out something suspicious.
"Then almost immediately after a short transmission, headquarters tried to reach him again with no result," Lt. Paul Resnick told CBS 2 HD.
Morelli was found dead a minute later by back-up units.
As some officers scoured the area Friday afternoon and evening looking for a possible gunman, others shed tears as Morelli's squad car was towed away, and a folded flag was driven in honor of the Desert Storm veteran.
"He was a very nice guy and I know people say that but he really was," Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia said. "He was very popular."
Police wouldn't say where Morelli was shot, how many times or what weapons were recovered. Asked whether this was a possible suicide, Resnick said, "I think we haven't ruled anything out. We are looking at the information as we have it."
Police also say neighbors in the area have nothing to worry about when it comes to some kind of crazed gunman on the loose. The autopsy is expected to determine the officer's cause of death.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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