Fatal Bridgeport Police Shooting: Mayor, Police Chief React

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport Police Officer James Boulay will not face charges in connection with fatally shooting unarmed 15-year-old Jayson Negron while investigating a stolen car incident last May, announced Waterbury State's Attorney Maureen Platt on Friday. Platt decided not to press charges in the case following a review by her office.

"Jayson Negron died tragically on May 9, 2017, after being shot by Officer James Boulay. However, in light of the foregoing, Officer James Boulay reasonably believed that the use of deadly force was necessary to defend himself from the use of deadly force – that being the Subaru operated by Jayson Negron," wrote Platt in a statement. "In so doing, Officer Boulay acted in conformance with Connecticut General Statute 53a-22. Although not dealt with in detail in this report, I have reviewed the conduct of all officers present and have found that the use of force, if any, by each of them was appropriate and in accordance with our law. The Division of Criminal Justice will, therefore, take no further action with respect to the use of force in this case."

Negron and Julian Fyffe were in a stolen Subaru when both were shot by police. Negron was driving and allegedly put the vehicle in reverse and nearly struck Boulay before Negron was shot, according to police. Fyffe was injured in the shooting but survived; he has filed a $6 million federal lawsuit against the City of Bridgeport.

The families of both Negron and Fyffe, in addition to advocacy groups, had called for Boulay to be charged in the case and for Police Chief A.J. Perez to be removed from office.

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim issued the following statement about the decision:

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Jayson Negron and all those effected by this terrible tragedy. I stand in solidarity with the community in peaceful and constructive means to express our feelings and emotions through this difficult healing process.

"This has been a very difficult eight months for the family and our community. We will continue to work with leaders in the community and other elected officials to find opportunities to bring people together and support our youth.”

Added Chief Perez, “This is a very difficult time for the community and for my department. This was a tragic event where a police officer made a split-second decision. I want to express my deepest sympathies to Jayson Negron’s family and to the community as we work through this terrible incident.

“I am committed to working with our local and state leaders to build bridges with all of our citizens as we go through this difficult healing process.”

Click here to read the full report from State's Attorney Maureen Platt.

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