WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut police officer who fatally shot an 18-year-old man during a traffic stop this week also was involved in a 2015 fatal shooting that was ruled justified. State Police late Wednesday identified Wethersfield officer Layau Eulizier as the officer who fired through the windshield of a car Saturday evening.
The driver, Anthony Jose Vega Cruz, of Wethersfield, died Monday night. Police said Eulizier opened fire when Vega Cruz drove his car toward the officer, who is on paid leave pending an investigation.
Vega Cruz's family and activists are questioning the use of deadly force. In 2015, officials say Eulizier was a Manchester officer when he shot at but missed a man threatening police with a utility knife.
A state trooper at the scene fired the fatal shots.
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