Connecticut Police Officer Charged with Assault and Cruelty for Use of Stun Gun on Suspect
Naugatuck, Conn. – A police officer from Connecticut, Nicholas Kehoss, has turned himself in to state police after being charged with third-degree assault and cruelty for using a stun gun on a shoplifting suspect. Kehoss, who is currently on paid leave pending investigations, posted a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 8.
The incident, which led to the charges against Kehoss, occurred on October 14 when he pursued Jarell Day, a 33-year-old from Waterbury, into a field. Day was suspected of stealing $200 worth of beer from a Naugatuck grocery store and later rammed police cruisers with a car as he fled from officers. Day crashed the car and attempted to escape on foot, but Kehoss managed to catch up to him.
A body camera video, released on Monday, captured the events that unfolded. The footage shows Kehoss using a stun gun on Day three times, even when the suspect was on the ground apologizing. Additionally, the video reveals Kehoss telling Day to “shut up” and calling him an “idiot” during the arrest.
In the video, Day can be seen complying with Kehoss’ orders to get on the ground, but even after falling to the ground and apologizing, Kehoss continues to use the stun gun on him. Kehoss orders Day to roll onto his stomach and fires the stun gun a second time. Eventually, Kehoss instructs Day to put his hands behind his back, and just before doing so, he fires the stun gun a third time.
Fortunately, neither Day nor any officers were injured during these events. However, the video footage raised concerns and led to the investigation into Kehoss’ actions.
In addition to the charges related to this incident, Day remains in custody on charges from other cases, including robbery, attempted assault of a police officer, and reckless driving.
Kehoss has not provided any comments regarding the incident, and it is unclear when he will do so. As the investigations continue, he will remain on paid leave.
