Earlier this year, a Branford man died after he was shocked with a Taser by police. Now, a state prosecutor says officers were justified in their use of force.
David Werblow, 41, was a resident of a group home for adults with mental health issues. He had a long history of mental illness and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
According to a report from the state's attorney's office, Werblow called 911 on March 15 requesting transportation to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. Branford police responded and the report said Werblow fled. He tried to break into a police cruiser, then walked into the center of traffic and ultimately got into another unlocked car.
Citing evidence from police reports, witnesses, and body camera footage, the state report says a Branford officer warned Werblow to comply with police "at least 40 times" before deploying a Taser.
Werblow was shocked seven times and later found not to have a pulse. CPR was administered and an ambulance dispatched. Werblow later died at Yale New-Haven Hospital.
It's the 16th death in Connecticut after a policeTasingsince 2005, according to the ACLU.
In her report, Maureen Platt, state's attorney for the Judicial District of Waterbury, said the officer properly used his Taser to prevent "a large and clearly delusional man," from entering an unlocked parked car and endangering himself or others.
The investigation also said police acted in accordance with local and state police standards regarding the use of a Taser.
