Branford Police Officer Exonerated in Man's Taser Death

A five-month investigation by the Waterbury state’s attorney’s office has resulted in Branford Police Officer John Abley being cleared of any wrongdoing in the death of David Werblow, 41, who died after a Taser was used on him in March, the New Haven Register reports.

Werblow, 41, of 134 Burban Drive, died on March 15 after Abley used a Taser on him.

Werblow died as a result of “sudden death following physical altercation, including electronic shock and a restraint during a psychotic episode due to schizophrenia,” the New Haven Register previously reported.

According to the report, Werblow resided in a group home for adults with mental illness and he had a history of not taking his medication, and had been admitted to Yale-New Haven Hospital repeatedly for psychiatric treatment.

On the night of the incident, Abley was informed of Werblow’s medical past as he responded to the address. Abley was also told that Werblow was in emotional distress that evening also, the Register reported.

According to the report, Werblow walked away from Abley and tried to enter his locked police cruiser before he kept walking quickly. Werblow was told on 40 occasions to stop by Abley but he continued to try and enter parked cars, the Register reports.

Finally, as Werblow was entering an unlocked car in the drive he was stunned which had no effect, and Werblow was then stunned again as he threw items from the vehicle at officers, the report states, and he was then taken into custody but he later died at a local hospital.

Abely has been on administrative duty or desk duty as Werblow’s death was investigated.

Read the full New Haven Register story here.

Connecticut State Police’s initial account of what happened

Then State Police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance has said at 7:45 p.m. Sunday, March 15 the Branford Police Department received a 911 call reporting a disturbance at 134 Burban Dr.

Upon officers arrival they encountered Werblow. Werblow. exited the residence and began walking down the street, Vance has said.

Werblow ignored officers requests to stop, continued walking down the street, and made several attempts to enter vehicles that were driving down the road, State Police have said.

Officers were able to direct motorists to not stop and keep driving. Werblow then entered a vehicle that was parked on Burban Drive, Vance has said. Officers attempted to get Werblow to exit the vehicle; however he continued to ignore their requests, Vance has said.

“A Branford Police Officer successfully deployed his department issued TASER to gain control of Werblow,” Vance has said. “Officers were able to remove Werblow from the vehicle and place him in handcuffs. Officers immediately noticed that Werblow was in medical distress. EMS responded to the scene and Werblow was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.”