New Haven Officers Cleared in Shooting of Branford Man

NEW HAVEN, CT—The New Haven State's Attorney has determined that the use of force against an assault suspect was justified.

Two officers shot a suspect who was trying to flee a parking area on Malcolm Court Sept. 6, according to the report.

The suspect was identified as Kenneth Palmieri, 50, of Branford.
Police were dispatched shortly after 6 a.m. to the area after receiving a report about an assault in the area of 55 Church Street. Later officers learned that a suspect vehicle was wanted in connection with a Guilford robbery that occurred hours earlier.

Related: Branford Man Shot by Police in New Haven: PD

The suspected vehicle was located at a dead end and officers blocked the only means of exit with their cruisers and approached the vehicle on foot to determine if the vehicle was occupied, according to the report.
As they approached the suspect put the car in drive and drove forward while officer yelled to stop. One officer broke the vehicle's window in an attempt to reach in and stop the driver.

The suspect then put the vehicle in reverse and accelerated quickly. The officer was cut on his arm.
The suspect continued to drive in forward and reverse to try and find an exit that didn't exist.
Officer Milton DeJesus and Officer Jarrell Lowery fired at the suspect as the suspect drove toward DeJesus at a high rate of speed. The suspected stopped driving dangerously after being hit by gunfire.
State Attorney Patrick Griffin determined the officers were justified to fire their weapons.