Conn. cops cleared of excessive force allegations

Accuser is serving a 10-year prison sentence for assault on officer

September 25, 2015 07:33 PM

By Daniel Tepfer
Connecticut Post

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — A man convicted of attempting to shoot police officers in 2009 lost his police brutality lawsuit against them.

A federal court jury deliberated about an hour before clearing officers Carlos Vazquez, Jorge Larrequi, Damien Csech, Roderick Doda, sergeants Greg Granello and Michael Whalen of allegations of excessive force brought by Lorenzo Osborne.

Osborne, 46, is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for attempted first-degree assault on a police officer.

“This was a great victory for the officers involved, who risked their lives trying to disarm a convicted felon who was attempted to retrieve a pistol from his shorts and use it against these brave officers”, stated Deputy City Attorney Arthur C. Laske III, who defended the officers along with Associate City Attorney Richard Kascak.

On Aug. 29, 2009, officers were driving by the intersection of Stratford Avenue and Hewitt Street when they saw two men leaving an abandoned home at about 6:30 p.m. The officers turned back to stop the men at Hewitt and Kelsey streets.

One of the men, later identified as Osborne, began to run and was tackled by officer Vazquez, according to the police report.

Laske said while Osborne was resisting arrest and striking Officer Vazquez, Officer Larrequi applied his Taser to Mr. Osborne in order to bring him under control.

At one point Osborne reached into his pocket, cocked a loaded .32 caliber revolver and attempted to point it at the officers, Laske said. During the struggle, the weapon dropped on the ground and discharged, just missing the 3 officers who were within 18 inches of the discharging weapon.

“The bravery, determination and professionalism of these officers cannot be overstated”, said Police Chief Joseph Gaudett, Jr. “The composure and courage shown by these officers shows the depth of their commitment and dedication to the citizens of Bridgeport.” Officer Vazquez was recently named “Officer of the Year” for his service to the citizens of Bridgeport.