A father and son bank robbery in Connecticut spiraled into a desperate standoff with police, ending in the tragic deaths of both men by self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Key Takeaways
- Shaun P. Fallon and his son Zachary W. Fallon attempted to rob Chelsea Groton Bank in Connecticut, using a note demanding cash and implying they had weapons.
- After being tracked to a Super 8 Motel, the suspects barricaded themselves for six hours, claiming to have firearms and explosives, forcing evacuations of the motel and nearby businesses.
- The standoff ended when gunshots were heard from inside the room; both suspects were found with self-inflicted gunshot wounds and later died at a local hospital.
- Despite threats of explosives, a bomb squad search found no actual explosive devices in the motel room.
- Law enforcement officials commended the professional handling of the dangerous situation by police and SWAT teams involved.
Failed Bank Heist Leads to Deadly Standoff
On June 12, 2025, Shaun P. Fallon and his son Zachary W. Fallon entered Chelsea Groton Bank on Gold Star Highway in Groton, Connecticut with intent to rob it. Wearing medical masks to conceal their identities, the pair passed a note to a teller demanding cash and inferring they were armed. They successfully fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money, but their escape would be short-lived. Law enforcement quickly identified the suspects and tracked them to a room at a nearby Super 8 Motel, setting the stage for what would become a tense six-hour standoff.
“It was reported that during the robbery, two suspects inferred a weapon and passed a note to a teller demanding cash. Both suspects were wearing medical masks. They were described as white males who fled the scene in an unknown vehicle with an undisclosed amount of cash,” said the police
Dangerous Escalation and Emergency Response
When police confronted the Fallons at the motel, the situation quickly escalated. The suspects refused to surrender and claimed to be heavily armed. “After a brief exchange, the suspects advised they were armed with both firearms and explosives and refused to surrender,” according to police reports. This serious threat prompted authorities to evacuate the entire motel and a nearby business as a safety precaution. A multi-agency response was quickly assembled, including a SWAT team, bomb technicians, and special investigative units to handle the increasingly volatile situation.
“This was an extremely dangerous and volatile situation, and I want to commend the bravery and professionalism of all the law enforcement personnel involved in bringing it to a close,” said Groton Police Chief L.J. Fusaro
Tragic Conclusion to Standoff
After hours of attempted negotiations, at approximately 11:05 p.m., two gunshots were heard from inside the suspects’ motel room. Authorities deployed a drone to assess the situation, which revealed both suspects were “incapacitated by apparent gunshot wounds,” according to Groton Deputy Chief Paul Gately. Emergency responders transported both men to Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Zachary Fallon, the son, died from his injuries on June 13, while his father, Shaun Fallon, succumbed to his wounds three days later on June 16.
“Two gunshots were heard inside the suspects’ hotel room,” police reported, adding that both suspects were incapacitated by apparent gunshot wounds.
Investigation Continues
Following the incident, a bomb squad carefully cleared the motel room but found no explosive devices, despite the suspects’ claims. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is conducting “further studies” to determine the official cause and manner of death, though preliminary reports indicate self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Police have not specified what weapons were recovered from the scene. Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into the bank robbery and subsequent deaths, and have asked anyone with information to come forward to assist with the case.
This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of criminal activity and the extreme dangers faced by law enforcement when confronting armed suspects. The Groton police department’s professional handling of the volatile situation likely prevented further casualties among innocent bystanders and officers, demonstrating the importance of proper training and emergency protocols in crisis situations.
