A Connecticut medical student died while in police custody, and while the death has been ruled a homicide, police are still claiming no wrongdoing.
31-year-old Lashano Gilbert died after a fight with police that led to two zaps from a stun gun within eight hours that was then complicated by Gilbert’s sickle cell anemia.
Gilbert allegedly told police that he was hearing voice and then began acting in a threatening manner. Police say he began twisting his pants as if to make a noose and that he bum rushed police when they tried to open the door. Gilbert was tasered first when he was arrested after his arrest for carjacking turned to a struggle with police and second when he attacked officers at the station.
Local police union President Todd Lynch said Friday officers have been criticized for simply doing their jobs.
“There are some situations that our officers must respond to,” said local police union President Todd Lynch. “We cannot run away. We cannot call anyone else for assistance. We have to act. No matter what color, creed, sexual orientation, religion, anything. That’s what our officers did that night.”
“None of those officers involved wanted to go home that night thinking their actions caused the death of someone. Nobody wants this to happen,” Lynch said.
New London’s state’s attorney and New London police chief asked local police to launch an investigation into Gilbert’s death immediately after the incident.