Inspector general: Windsor police officer shot at fleeing suspect instead of using Taser
WINDSOR, Conn. (WTNH) — The Connecticut Office of Inspector General and the Windsor Police Department are investigating after a police officer shot at a man instead of using his Taser outside a convenience store in January.
The inspector general said Officer Brandon Thomas found a 'suspicious' vehicle around 8:20 p.m. in the parking lot of a Tiger Mart gas station at 160 Windsor Ave. Two people left the convenience store and walked toward the Jeep Liberty Sport, which had a license plate that came back to another vehicle.
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The inspector general said that when Thomas approached the pair about the misuse of the license plate, 21-year-old Geovanni Nunez ran away.
Thomas chased Nunez across Windsor Avenue and into Keney Park. While chasing Nunez, Thomas yelled, 'Stop running, or I'm going to f—ing tase you.'
He then pulled out his actual firearm from its holster and fired one round at Nunez, the inspector general said.
Thomas said, 'Oh s—, I didn't mean to do that.'
Nunez was not hit and was subsequently taken into custody and charged with interfering with the police and possession of a controlled substance.
Thomas fell into a stream,m and his body-worn camera became soaked. The inspector general said the recording, however, could be recovered.
Following his arrest, the inspector general said Nunez accused Thomas of shooting at him, and Thomas denied this, saying that he only used his Taser.
News 8 contacted the Windsor Police Department for comment on the investigation.
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