NORWALK, CT — A 20-year-old man was arrested after a nearly four-hour standoff with police during which he threw a Molotov cocktail and knives at officers.
Norwalk Combined Dispatch received a report of a psychiatric complaint at 8 Dock Road at 8:59 a.m. on April 20, 2026.
The caller, who was outside the residence, reported that her son, David Erik Wenger, was inside the home and threatening to harm himself.
The caller advised that Wenger had previously made statements about attempting “suicide by cop” and was extremely agitated.
Officers responded to the scene and confirmed that no other individuals were inside the residence.
Upon arrival, officers observed Wenger on the porch, armed with a saw and a knife, and bleeding from his hand.
As officers attempted to establish communication, Wenger threatened to kill officers if they entered the residence.
He repeatedly moved in and out of the home, yelling and making threats at the officers.
During attempts to de-escalate the situation, Wenger exited the residence and pointed and then threw what was later determined to be an airsoft pistol at officers.
Due to Wenger’s behavior and prior statements, crisis negotiators were requested to respond.
Negotiators made repeated efforts to communicate with Wenger and encourage a peaceful surrender.
During the incident, Wenger constructed a Molotov cocktail inside the residence, lit it, and then threw it at officers.
The device landed in the driveway of 9 Dock Road.
Wenger also opened the door on multiple occasions and threw knives in the direction of officers.
As the situation continued, Wenger was observed creating additional improvised weapons, including taping a knife to a pole to form a makeshift spear.
Crisis negotiators ultimately succeeded in persuading Wenger to exit the residence.
He was taken into custody at approximately 12:43 p.m. without further incident and transported to Norwalk Police Headquarters for processing.
No officers were injured during the incident.
Wenger, of Norwalk, was charged with two counts of criminal attempt at assault on a police officer, two counts of reckless endangerment in the first degree, and threatening in the first degree.
He was held on $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on May 4, 2026.
