Wanted East Haven Man Who Led Police On Chase Released On $151K Bail

EAST HAVEN, CT — The East Haven man who was wanted by police and then led several departments on a chase from East Haven to Milford, was charged by police with four failure to appear in court charges. And then he bonded out.

Nicholas Gambardella, 27, was taken into custody last Thursday and then was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital for non-life threatening injuries related to the crash that began with him trying to elude the police, East Haven police Capt. Joseph M. Murgo said. Released Saturday, he was taken to the East Haven Police Department where he was processed on several outstanding arrest warrants.

• Failure to Appear in the First Degree, in violation of C.G.S. 53a-172 with a $100,000.00 court set bond.
• Failure to Appear in the First Degree, in violation of C.G.S. 53a-172 with a $25,000.00 court set bond.
• Failure to Appear in the First Degree, in violation of C.G.S. 53a-172 with a $ 25,000.00 court set bond.
• Failure to Appear in the Second Degree, in violation of C.G.S. 53a-173 with a $1,500.00 court set bond.

Gambardella was released on a total of $151,500 court set bonds and is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 18 in New Haven, Murgo said.

"Charges stemming from the Thursday incident will be forthcoming," Murgo said.

The state Office of the Inspector General is investigating.

He was also charged by Branford police with engaging in a police pursuit, reckless driving, and evading responsibility with injury and property damage.

Original story:

(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.