4 Milford Officers, Supervisor On Leave Due To Man's Death: Report

MILFORD, CT — Four Milford police officers and a supervisor have been placed on administrative leave following the death of a man in custody last week, according to Hearst Connecticut Media.

The Milford Police Union said the four officers and the supervisor are union members in good standing and that they are cooperating with an investigation into the incident. None of those involved have been named. Read the full story at Hearst Connecticut Media.

Police responded to a report of a shoplifting incident at the Big Y at 150 Boston Post Road on Wednesday. They found Michael Brown, 52, of Bridgeport, in the grocery store's parking lot. Brown was a suspect in a recently reported theft at another Milford grocery store and had other outstanding warrants for his arrest.

He ignored the officers' directions to stop and entered his car. Police physically removed him from the car and placed him in handcuffs, according to a statement from the state Office of the Inspector General, which is investigating the incident.

Brown complained of shortness of breath and leg pain. Police summoned medical help from the Milford Fire Department, who responded and provided medical aid.

While they did so, Brown's condition worsened. Emergency medical services gave him Narcan, according to police, and he was taken to Milford Hospital.

He was later pronounced dead when he arrived at the hospital.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause and manner of death.

Police Chief Keith Mello said in a statement: "We welcome this investigation by the Inspector General and upon its conclusion, we will conduct our own internal review to ensure that all MPD policies were adhered to during this encounter."

See related: Milford Police Chief Issues Statement On Death At Big Y