Wanted East Haven Man Shot At By Cop After Chase, Crash In Milford: PD

(Editor's Note: Both videos included in this story include graphic language).

EAST HAVEN, CT — A suspect was shot at during a chase that began in East Haven and ended in a crash on Interstate 95 in Milford on Thursday, according to the state Office of the Inspector General.

The investigation has been turned over to the state OIG with East Haven, Branford, Milford and state police departments assisting.

It began when East Haven police and FBI task force officers attempted to arrest Nicholas Gambardella, 27, on outstanding felony arrest warrants shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday.

Police had information that Gambardella was in possession of a gun, according to OIG. A pursuit ensued, with Gambardella taking off into Branford. Branford and East Haven police tried to block Gambardella’s car that they had stopped at the Branford Burger King, but he fled, but not before crashing into two police cars during his escape, according to OIG.

Gambardella fled onto I-95 southbound, pursued by East Haven, Branford and FBI Task Force members. He ultimately crashed at the end of the exit 36 ramp in Milford, jumped out of the car and ran across I-95 to a grassy area. East Haven police Lt. Joseph Finoia and Lt. Kevin Klarman chased him on foot across the highway.

Finoia fired his gun three times after Gambardella appeared to reach and turn toward officers, according to OIG. No shots struck him, and no weapon was found on or near Gambardella. Police released Finioia's body camera video.

Finoia has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the OIG investigation, said East Haven Capt. Joseph M. Murgo.

Murgo said that Gambardella has not yet been charged and remains hospitalized for injuries sustained during the crash.

Gambardella criminal history

Gambardella has five previous criminal convictions and two pending criminal cases, not including Thursday’s incident.

In March 2020, Gambardella was charged with trying to rob a woman at Xpress Fuel on Frontage Road in East Haven. The woman told police that Gambardella jumped in her idling truck while she was making a purchase inside the store.

She went back to her vehicle and a struggle ensued. Gambardella put the truck in reverse and drive several times while she was hanging on in an attempt to knock her off the vehicle, police said. Eventually, she was able to open the door and Gambardella jumped out while the truck was in gear, which caused it to crash into a guardrail. Gambardella was released after posting a $50,000 bond.

In 2016, Gambardella was found guilty of possession with intent to sell narcotics and three probation violation charges. In total, he was given four years in prison, but that sentence was suspended after serving 60 days, and was given probation, court records show.

In 2017, Gambardella was found guilty of first-degree threatening and several probation violation charges. In total, he was given four years in prison, but that sentence was suspended after serving 60 days, and was given probation, court records show.

He was also found guilty in 2018 of a 2017 second-degree breach of peace charge. He got an unconditional discharge.

In 2018, Gambardella was found guilty of reckless driving and was given an unconditional discharge.

Months later, he was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and was found guilty. He was sentenced to serve one year in jail, that sentence also was suspended and he was given an 18-month conditional discharge.