CONTEXT: On November 23, 2025, members of the Newtown Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a disturbance in the area of Hanover Road. Upon arrival, Officer Hyvarinen made contact with the involved party, identified as 40-year-old Daniel Morris. During the encounter, Morris initially raised his hands in an apparent gesture of surrender. Without warning, Morris then struck Officer Hyvarinen in the face with a closed fist. As Officer Hyvarinen, who was operating alone at the time, attempted to gain control of the situation, Morris actively resisted and placed the officer in a headlock/chokehold. Officer Hyvarinen successfully disengaged by lifting the 220-pound suspect overhead and breaking free from the hold. The physical altercation continued on the ground, during which Morris struck Officer Hyvarinen in the face a second time. Officer Hyvarinen ultimately gained control of Morris through lawful use of force proportionate to the threat presented. Both Officer Hyvarinen and Morris sustained minor facial injuries during the incident. Morris was evaluated on scene by emergency medical personnel and subsequently transported to Danbury Hospital, where he was medically cleared. Daniel Morris was placed under arrest and charged with the following offenses under the Connecticut General Statutes: Assault on Public Safety Personnel, Interfering with an Officer/Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct. Morris was held on a $75,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled for arraignment at Danbury Superior Court (GA #3) on November 24, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.. (NPD / News release)

VIDEO: Connecticut officer pummels man who sucker-punched him while responding to disturbance call