MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK: A female Connecticut detective is being hailed for her "extreme act of heroism" in thwarting a violent attack by an unhinged man with a hammer. Detective Karli Travis, 52, has been commended for her bravery in thwarting Winston Tate's attack.
The officer intervened after responding to a disturbance report involving noise and broken glass on a street in Middletown on Saturday, August 12. Bodycam footage depicts a critical moment when the officer valiantly defended herself against the violent assault.
In the video, Tate emerges from his residence and rushes towards the officer. Detective Travis calmly instructs him to drop the claw hammer he's carrying.
However, despite her plea, Tate, who has previously been incarcerated for assaulting officers, strikes Travis four times with the hammer.
During the incident, Travis was on her own when responding to the call. She immediately requested backup as Tate charged at her with the hammer.
Despite trying to create distance between herself and Tate, she found herself grappling for her life as she was pushed to the ground. Travis managed to draw her firearm and discharge several shots.
Tate retreated to his house, but additional officers arrived, ultimately apprehending him. Both Tate and Travis received medical treatment for minor injuries at a hospital.
Middletown police chief hails Karli Travis' 'extreme act of heroism'
Middletown Police Chief Erik Costa praised Travis' extraordinary 'act of heroism'. “There is no question that Detective Travis displayed an extreme act of heroism that saved her own life, the lives of other Middletown police officers and the citizens of this city,” he said.
Colleagues of Detective Travis, numbering over 20, joined chief Costa in expressing admiration for her during a press conference. They emphasized her strength and bravery, referring to her as a heroine.
A spokesperson for Middletown's police union noted, "It is our hope that this time finally after attempting to murder a police officer, he will suffer the consequences that he so rightfully deserves."
Detective Travis is currently recuperating at home with support. The incident marked the fifth time that the police have been summoned to Tate's residence due to disturbances in the past month.
State attorney described Tate as dangerous
Tate, 52, has a history of criminal convictions dating back to 1995, including prior attacks on law enforcement officers in 2017 and 2020 wfsb.com reported. In court, Tate faced charges that included attempted first-degree assault, second-degree assault, assault on public safety personnel, and obstructing police.
While in the courtroom, he had to be restrained by officers when attempting to remove his prison jumpsuit, even as the judge ordered him to be held on a $500,000 bond on Tuesday.
"He’s dangerous. There’s nobody that’s safe from this man," the state’s attorney said. Tate's next court appearance is scheduled for October 3.
