Connecticut Office of Inspector General rules Windsor police officer not justified in firing gun at suspect
The inspector general said Officer Brandon Thomas, 34, found a 'suspicious' vehicle around 8:20 p.m. in the parking lot of a Tiger Mart gas station at 160 Windsor Ave on Jan. 30, 2025. The Windsor Police Department said Thomas saw a large bag of marijuana in plain view.
Two people left the convenience store and walked toward the Jeep Liberty Sport, which had a license plate that matched another vehicle. The inspector general stated that when Thomas approached the pair about the misuse of the license plate, the driver, later identified as 21-year-old Geovanni Nunez, fled.
Inspector general: Windsor police officer shot at fleeing suspect instead of using Taser
Thomas chased Nunez across Windsor Avenue and into Keney Park. While chasing Nunez, the officer 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. Police said they learned after the incident that Nunez had an outstanding warrant from Meriden police for first-degree assault.
Thomas fell into a stream, and his body-worn camera became soaked. The inspector general stated, however, that the recording was 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.
'Under the circumstances…Officer Thomas acted unlawfully and recklessly,' the inspector general said in his report.
Thomas was arrested and charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and second-degree reckless endangerment.
He was placed on limited duty after the incident.
The Windsor Police Department released a statement on the incident.
This was a mistake made in a high-stress, fast-evolving situation. The officer has served with the Windsor Police Department for just over three years and has no prior incidents involving questionable use of force. While we fully respect the role and authority of the Inspector General, we believe the facts in this case do not warrant an arrest or charges.
Windsor Police Chief Melanson
The full statement can be read below.
Thomas-Arrest-Press-Release-FinalDownload
The Windsor Police Employee's Association called the incident 'unfortunate' but criticized the results of the inspector general's report.
We fully support a thorough investigation — as is standard in any use-of-force situation — but, under these circumstances we strongly object to criminal misdemeanor charges being filed. This action sends a chilling message to Police Officers: that even honest mistakes, due to minimal police training standards, could lead to criminal prosecution. We believe the matter should be referred internally for an administrative review and disciplinary process.
Windsor Police Employee's Association
Union-Press-ReleaseDownload
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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