Police: Norwalk officer commits suicide

 By Nancy Guenther Chapman

NORWALK, Conn. – A Norwalk Police officer died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday evening at his East Norwalk home, Chief Thomas Kulhawik said in a statement.

Officer Kenneth Cerulli, 41, a two-year veteran of the NPD, was off duty when he was found in his Blackstone Drive home at about 6:15 p.m., according to the statement. “He suffered what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Kulhawik said. “There is no evidence of foul play.”

Detectives are conducting a thorough investigation, Kulhawik said. No further information will be released concerning the manner and cause of death at this time, he said.

Cerulli was hired Feb. 7, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer.

“We are saddened to lose a member of our family so suddenly and tragically,” Kulhawik said. “We offer our deepest condolences to his wife and family. We ask that the privacy of the family be respected at this very difficult time.”