A shocking incident involving a Connecticut police officer and a shoplifting suspect has sparked outrage and prompted investigations into the officer’s use of force. Naugatuck Officer Nicholas Kehoss was caught on body camera video using a stun gun on the suspect multiple times, even when the man was on the ground and apologizing. The video, released on Monday, shows Kehoss deploying the stun gun for about five seconds during each of the three instances.
The suspect, identified as Jarell Day, 33, of Waterbury, was suspected of stealing $200 worth of beer from a Naugatuck grocery store. As officers attempted to apprehend him, Day allegedly rammed police cruisers with his car in an attempt to escape. Eventually, he crashed the vehicle and tried to flee on foot, but Kehoss managed to catch up to him.
The video footage reveals that Day was already on the ground and showing his hands when Kehoss first used the stun gun. Despite Day’s compliance, Kehoss continued to yell at him, called him an “idiot,” and fired the stun gun twice more. Day pleaded with the officer, apologizing and begging him not to use the stun gun again, but Kehoss pulled the trigger for the third time.
Both Day and the officers involved were unharmed during the incident. Day now faces charges of robbery, attempted assault of a police officer, reckless driving, and other crimes. He is currently being held on bond.
The use of force by Officer Kehoss has raised concerns within the community and led to investigations by both the state police and Naugatuck Police Department’s internal affairs division. Naugatuck Police Chief C. Colin McAllister expressed early concerns about the incident and stated that Kehoss has a disciplinary history within the department, although specifics were not provided.
This is not the first time Kehoss has been involved in a use-of-force incident. In 2021, he was found justified in shooting at a car three times when it hit his cruiser during a stop. Fortunately, no one was injured in that incident.
The release of the body camera footage has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. The incident adds to the ongoing debate surrounding police conduct and the appropriate use of force. As investigations into this incident continue, the community awaits answers and hopes for a fair and just resolution.
