Latest news with #WindsorPoliceDepartment
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
Connecticut Office of Inspector General rules Windsor police officer not justified in firing gun at suspect
WINDSOR, Conn. (WTNH) — The Connecticut Office of Inspector General ruled that a Windsor police officer's use of deadly force was not justified after he shot at a man instead of using his Taser outside a convenience store in January. 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.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Yahoo
Three juveniles face felony arson charges stemming from fire at Windsor Main Park
Three juveniles have been charged with arson in connection with a fire at Windsor's Main Park on March 5. All three juveniles are facing one count of arson, a Class 3 felony. Two of the juveniles are also charged with theft under $300, a petty offense, according to a town of Windsor news release April 25. The identity of the individuals will not be released publicly in accordance with juvenile protection laws, the news release said. Windsor Police Department Criminal Investigations Division used crime scene analysis, numerous interviews with neighbors in the area and leads from personal surveillance footage through its Secure Streets program to identify the suspects. The town's Secure Streets program allows property owners with private security cameras that record public areas — streets, sidewalks or parking lots — to voluntarily register their cameras with the Windsor Police Department. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime. This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Three juveniles face felony arson charges in Windsor Main Park fire
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
3 juveniles facing charges in fire at park in Windsor: Police
DENVER (KDVR) — Three juveniles are each facing a felony charge in connection with a fire that caused damage at a park in Windsor in March. The Windsor Police Department said in a press release that the three juveniles are facing one count of arson, a class three felony, and two of them are also charged with theft under $300, a petty offense. Denver Sheriff Department deputy arrested, accused of stalking, harassment The charges stem from a fire at Main Park in Windsor, located at 301 Locust St., that broke out on March 5 around 7:45 p.m. The department said in a post on Facebook on March 6 that the fire caused significant damage to the public restrooms, but Windsor Severance Fire Rescue contained the fire before it could spread to nearby structures or vegetation. Police asked the public for help in the investigation. Investigators interviewed numerous people in the neighborhood and reviewed surveillance footage provided by community members through the Secure Streets program, which police said helped to identify the suspects. Police announced the charges on Friday and said the names of the juvenile suspects would not be released to the public. 'While proceedings will remain confidential due to the age of the individuals, the department is committed to pursuing appropriate accountability while respecting all legal protections afforded to minors,' WPD wrote in the release. The police department said the case will proceed through the juvenile justice system. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
High school student arrested for threatening school shooting: Windsor PD
(KRON) – Authorities investigated a threat of a school shooting made by a student on Monday, said the Windsor Police Department. The department said a 16-year-old Windsor High School student sent a Snapchat message to someone saying, 'I'm shooting up the school.' Toyota trucks targeted in rash of tailgate thefts: Alameda PD As a result, police said sheriff deputies assisted in removing the student from class. The student was searched and police said they were not carrying any weapons. However, the student was arrested and booked into the Juvenile Detention Facility for making criminal threats. 'We want to assure the community that there are no current threats or safety concerns for students or staff at Windsor High School,' police said on social media. 'The Windsor Police Department thanks the school staff for their swift response and cooperation during this investigation. Due to the student's age, no further information will be released.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
City of Milton hires new police chief
MILTON, Fla. (WKRG) — The City of Milton has a new police chief. According to a news release from the city, Jennifer M. Frank will step into the role in April. Angie Stone dies in car crash after performing at MAMGA Grand Marshal's Ball City officials said she is the first woman police chief in Northwest Florida and the 21st in Florida. 'I'm not the first female police chief—I'm just Chief,' Frank said. 'If you show up, do the work, and hold your own, gender doesn't matter. Breaking the glass ceiling is one thing, but bringing others with you is what truly matters.' Frank has served 19 years in law enforcement including tenures with Plymouth State Police, Norwich Police Department and Windsor Police Department. She was most recently the Windsor Police Chief in Vermont where she came up with 'community driven policing strategies that reduced violent crime calls by 50%,' according to Milton officials. The Windsor Police Department also received the National Leadership in Community Policing Award in 2023 under Frank. Frank's career has included traditional policing and even presidential security details for public figures such as President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, President Joe Biden, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, New York Governor George Pataki, and presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani. Frank was a teacher before becoming an officer. She once had to disarm a student she mentored when he entered the classroom with a 9mm gun. She emphasizes staying connected with the community and working with the next generation as she launched a cadet program in 2008 and has mentored at-risk youth over the last 16 years. 'We've had kids enter the program because they made poor choices,' Frank said. 'They start with community service, but then they become the rockstars and leaders of the program. Some of them even become officers and, more importantly, great humans.' 'Some people need a diversion program, some need a ticket, and some need jail,' she continued. 'Our goal is always to be the least intrusive while ensuring safety. When we eliminate dangers—whether it's crime, or something as simple as giving kids a safe place to be after school—we make a real difference.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
