Connecticut Officer, Nicholas Kehoss Charged After Stun Gun Incident on Apologetic Shoplifting Suspect, Jarell Day

In Naugatuck, Connecticut, an officer from the local police department, Nicholas Kehoss, faced charges of third-degree assault and cruelty following an incident involving the repeated use of a stun gun on a shoplifting suspect, Jarell Day, 33, from Waterbury. 

The officer surrendered to the state police on Monday after an arrest warrant was issued and was later released on a $50,000 bond. He is expected to appear in court on November 8. Despite attempts to reach him for comment, Kehoss did not respond to emails on Monday or Tuesday.

The investigation into Kehoss began after the release of a body camera video capturing the officer pursuing Day into a field on October 14. 

The footage showed Kehoss deploying the stun gun on Day multiple times, even as Day was on the ground apologizing. Alongside the use of the stun gun, Kehoss can be heard commanding Day to "shut up" and calling him an "idiot" during the course of the arrest.

According to the police, Day was suspected of stealing $200 worth of beer from a Naugatuck grocery store and subsequently engaged in a car chase with the police, during which he rammed into police cruisers. Day crashed the car and attempted to escape on foot, but Kehoss apprehended him, as depicted in the video.

The video reveals that Day had his hands visible when Kehoss instructed him to lie on the ground and then discharged the stun gun for the first time. Day fell to the ground and, despite apologizing, was ordered by Kehoss to roll onto his stomach. 

Even as Day complied by rolling onto his side and expressing remorse, Kehoss continued to shout at him to lie on his stomach and proceeded to activate the stun gun a second time.

After instructing Day to place his hands behind his back, Kehoss discharged the stun gun for the third time as Day pleaded for mercy. Fortunately, neither Day nor any officers sustained injuries during the altercation. Day is currently in custody, facing charges related to multiple cases, including robbery, attempted assault of a police officer, and reckless driving.

As the investigations continue, Kehoss has been placed on paid leave.

[SOURCE]