The fatal shooting of an intoxicated man with a pistol in his hand last May was “appropriate” and the actions by all police officers involved were in compliance with department training and regulations, the Police Commission has concluded.
Ridgefield Board of Police Commissioners has issued its conclusions concerning the May 24, 2013 shooting of John Valluzzo at his Ridgebury home.
A one-page statement was released by the commission following a lengthy executive session discussion July 22.
“After review of the Connecticut State Police Investigation, the Danbury Office of the State’s Attorney’s report, and the Internal Affairs Administrative Review of a May 24, 2013 shooting incident involving police officers of the Ridgefield Police Department, it is the conclusion of the Board of Police Commissioners that the use of deadly physical force by Police Officer Jorge Romero was appropriate as per the findings of the state’s attorney and in compliance with the regulations, general orders and training of the Ridgefield Police Department,” the commission’s statement said.
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“Additionally, the police officers who responded with Officer Romero and those officers who responded to the follow-up investigation of the incident were at all times in compliance with the regulations, general orders and training requirements of the Ridgefield Police Department.
“The Board of Police Commissioners of the Ridgefield Police Department thanks the Connecticut State Police, State’s Attorney Stephen Sedensky, and the Internal Affairs Officer, Major Stephen Brown, for their thorough investigation into the events that took place on May 24, 2013,” the statement concludes.
It was signed by Police Commission Chairman Thomas Reynolds.
Officer Romero had returned to duty as a patrol officer last August after a period on paid leave followed by a period of light administrative duty.
The investigations of the incident continued, however, with the last report — from the state’s attorney — issued three weeks ago on July 9.
Mr. Reynolds spoke briefly of the incident this week.
“He followed proper procedure,” Mr. Reynolds said of Officer Romero.
“It was a justified handling of the matter. It’s a shame that someone lost their life as a result. However, a review of the facts surrounding the incident showed quite clearly to the commission that it was properly handled by the officer.”
The shooting came when two officers — Officer Romero and Sgt. Craig Wooster — went to Mr. Valluzzo’s Ridgebury home after a domestic violence report. Mr. Valluzzo advanced toward them with a drawn gun that was later found not to be loaded.
Police Lt. Michael Gates and Officer Mark Caswell arrived on the scene after the shots were fired.
Mr. Reynolds said the commission had looked carefully at all the reports on the incident.
“It was an extensive executive session, in which we reviewed in great detail all the circumstances surrounding what happened, including the state attorney’s report, the state police report, and the internal affairs report conducted by Major Brown,” Mr. Reynolds said.