Wayne Police Officer Fires on Armed Man Charging Down Stairs with Two Swords
Posted on
March 12,2025
Wayne, New Jersey — On February 14, 2025, Wayne police encountered, 34-year-old Connor Darpino, when they responded to a single-car crash, where he was identified as the driver. Darpino was first taken into custody following a single-car crash, during which police described him as "argumentative and combative." Released shortly after being charged, he later became the subject of a 911 call reporting that he had ingested a large quantity of Xanax. When officers arrived at his home, Darpino threatened them from a second-floor balcony while wielding the swords. Despite police commands, he descended the stairs with the weapons, prompting Wayne Police Lieutenant Douglas Itjen to fire seven shots, striking him five times. Officers immediately rendered aid, and Darpino was transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he was initially listed in critical but stable condition.
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