New Haven Cop Shot, Suspect Charged, Video Of Shooting Released

NEW HAVEN, CT — A suspect has been charged in connection with the shooting of police officer Chad Curry, who was shot while responding to a car accident around 1:30 a.m. Friday, police said.

Jose Claudio, 36, of New Haven, was arrested in Hartford on a New Haven police warrant. He is charged with first-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, assault on a public safety officer, criminal possession of a firearm, among other charges. He's being held on $1 million bail. Police said late Friday that he has an existing warrant for domestic violence, with charges including threatening.

Court records show Claudio has criminal convictions for felony conspiracy to traffic hallucinogens, and misdemeanors including evading, disorderly conduct, and breach of peace.

The 1:30 a.m. shooting occurred near the intersection of Chapel Street and Blatchley Avenue in the Fair Haven neighborhood. Curry was in the area and heard the crash, police said, and he responded.

As Curry arrived, the driver of the vehicle, who was running from the crash scene, opened fire and shot at Curry.

Police Chief Karl Jacobson said Curry "bravely" returned fire after being shot.

Curry was shot in the ear and had a bullet removed from his neck. Jacobson described the incident, captured on a police body-worn camera, as "difficult to watch." Curry was taken by fellow officers to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released later in the morning.

Jacobson said that in addition to the police body and police car camera footage, police have "a lot of other video" from the community. He said the video shows the "valiant actions of Chad who was in a life or death situation."

Caution: This video contains images of gun violence that some may find disturbing.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, who went to the hospital and met with Curry's family, called him a "hero."

Curry, 39, is a nine-year NHPD veteran who works the Fair Haven section of the city.

"We watched the video, and it's just remarkable how officer Curry receives gunfire from an individual and quickly responded and put himself at risk. This officer is a hero," Elicker said.

Curry was once a cop of the week. He was also lauded for his de-escalation skills this summer on a crisis call.

There are two Curry family members on the New Haven Police Department. His sister Nikki is also a New Haven cop.

"Born and raised in New Haven, they decided to give back to the community by answering the call to public service. Nikki joined our family in 2009 and Chad followed shortly after in 2013. They were extremely close during childhood and their bond continues while selflessly serving New Haven. Nikki said that she knew her brother would join the force, because he always followed his older sisters lead."

Police ask that any witnesses contact the Police Department’s Investigative Services Division at 203-946-6304. Callers may remain anonymous or submit tips anonymously by calling 1-866-888-TIPS (8477), or text “NHPD plus your message” to 274637 (CRIMES).

The suspect

The suspect, police said, is identified as a Hispanic male, thin build, approximately 5’ 10”, and wearing an orange shirt and white hat, is still at large and was last seen on Blatchley Avenue going towards Saltonstall Avenue.

Jacobson said the car involved in the crash was reported stolen a couple of months ago. He said that police have a suspect and that he's an adult.

The Bureau of Identification also responded to the scene and detectives from the Major Crimes Unit are leading the investigation, supported by other state law enforcement agencies and partners.

"The New Haven Police Department would like to thank the Hartford Police Department and our Federal partners for their assistance. The area of Chapel Street and Blatchley Avenue is still closed for evidence processing. Please try to avoid the area while we work to re-open it," police said.