Man Shot At During Pursuit That Ended In Milford: Investigators

(Editor's Note: The video included in this story includes graphic language).

MILFORD, CT — A suspect was shot at during a chase that began in East Haven and ended in a crash on I-95 in Milford yesterday, according to new information from the state Office of the Inspector General.

East Haven police and FBI task force officers attempted to arrest Nicholas Gambardella, 27, on outstanding felony arrest warrants shortly before 9 a.m. Police had information that Gambardella was in possession of a gun, according to OIG.

Officers tried to block Gambardella’s car that they had stopped at a Burger King in Branford, but he fled. Gambardella crashed into two police cars during his escape, according to OIG.

He fled onto I-95 southbound and crashed at the end of the exit 36 ramp in Milford. Gambardella 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.

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

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

The investigation has been turned over to the Office of the Inspector General. East Haven, Branford, Milford and state police departments are assisting.

OIG has released several videos from the incident, which are available to watch on YouTube.

• Klarman body camera video
• Finoia body camera video
• Klarman body camera video from Branford

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.