Investigation Finds East Haven Police Shooting Justified

EAST HAVEN, CT — An East Haven police officer who fired his gun during the arrest of a suspect in Milford last year was found justified, according to a report from the Office of the Inspector General.

Police confronted Nicholas Gambardella, 27, at a Burger King in a parking lot in Branford on Jan. 5, 2023. Police then pursued Gambardella, who had several warrants out for his arrest, across several towns on I-95.

Gambardella eventually left the highway via Exit 36 in Milford, striking a guardrail and leaving his car disabled on Plains Mills Road. He then fled on foot, crossing both lanes of I-95.

East Haven Police Lieut. Joseph Finoia chased Gambardella, who climbed a grass median. Finoia yelled for him to get on the ground and threatened to shoot him.

Gambardella then slowed, turned to the officers, and reached into his waistband, according to the inspector general's report. He raised his hands and extended his arms in front of his chest, as if he were pointing something at officers.

Finoia then fired his gun three times at Gambardella, who was not hit but fell to the ground. Police then took Gambardella into custody.

When Finoia fired his gun, "Gambardella presented himself in a manner consistent with his imminent use of deadly force and Finoia reacted reasonably in attempting to eliminate the threat," according to the inspector general's report.

Police had information that Gambardella might have a gun, but they did not find a gun on him or near him when he was arrested.

Gambardella, who had five previous criminal convictions, was charged last year with first-degree reckless endangerment, conspiracy to commit assault on a public safety officer, conspiracy to commit third-degree robbery, engaging in a police pursuit, interfering with an officer, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, evading responsibility with injury/property damage and traffic violations.

See related: Out On Bail On Milford Chase, Crash, East Haven PD Charges Gambardella