After shooting millionaire, cop remains on leave

John Valluzzo, of Ridgefield, founder and president of the Southern New England Military Museum in Danbury, speaks at a ceremony that brought pieces of steel from the World Trade Center to the museum's collection. Photo taken Tuesday, June 28, 2011. less John Valluzzo, of Ridgefield, founder and president of the Southern New England Military Museum in Danbury, speaks at a ceremony that brought pieces of steel from the World Trade Center to the museum's ... more Photo: Carol Kaliff, ST Photo: Carol Kaliff, ST Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close After shooting millionaire, cop remains on leave 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

RIDGEFIELD -- The officer involved in a fatal shooting in May continues to be on paid leave while the State Police's investigation is "progressing," officials said Friday.

Seven-year veteran Officer Jorge Romero was placed on leave shortly after May 24 when he fired two rounds from his 40-caliber Glock handgun, striking 75-year-old Ridgefield resident John Valluzzo in the torso, fatally wounding him.

According to police reports, Valluzzo was approaching officers with a stainless steel revolver in his hand and refused to drop the weapon before Romero fired on the philanthropist millionaire who founded the Military Museum of Southern New England in Danbury.

Police believe that Valluzzo, a U.S. Army veteran, did not fire his gun.

Lt. Paul Vance, a spokesman for the state police, said the investigation is progressing but "it's not totally finished yet."

He added when the inquiry is complete the information will be forwarded to Danbury State's Attorney Stephen Sedensky for his review and ruling in the matter.

First Selectman Rudy Marconi said Friday that Romero remains on leave and when he returns to the department it will likely involve light duty related jobs.

He added the town has yet to be notified of any potential lawsuits arising from the shooting.

The incident began when a cousin of Valluzzo's girlfriend, Anna Parille of Danbury, reported that she had been on the telephone with Parille, who told her Valluzzo had been drinking heavily and was waving a gun around and screaming at her, according to the police affidavit.

The affidavit also indicates Parille told investigators that Valluzzo likely heard the first officers arrive and walked out the bedroom, where the two had been arguing. She then locked the bedroom door, she told police.