Matthew C. Gedansky, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Tolland, today released police vehicle dash camera footage recorded at the scene of an officer-involved shooting resulting in the death of Jose Soto on April 2, 2020, in Manchester.
The video made available to the news media was recorded by a Manchester Police Department vehicle that was stationed at the scene of the incident. No police personnel were inside the vehicle then the recording was made.
Mr. Soto was fatally wounded after officers from the state Department of Correction, Parole Division, assisted by Manchester police, went to 181 Oak Street in Manchester to take him into custody for a violation of parole stemming from his conviction for Robbery in the First Degree.
The Capitol Region Emergency Service Team (CREST) was subsequently called to the scene to assist and the preliminary investigation indicates that four members of the CREST team fired their weapons, resulting in the injuries that led to Mr. Soto’s death.
Although the investigation is in its preliminary stages, it has yielded important information that, despite valiant efforts by an experienced negotiator from CREST, Mr. Soto manifested an intent to emerge from the residence in a manner which rejected the negotiator’s advice to surrender peacefully.
Pursuant to state law, State’s Attorney Gedansky was assigned to determine if the use of force resulting in Soto’s death was justified under state law. The Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad is assisting with the investigation.
State’s Attorney Gedansky again extends his condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Soto on their loss.
Additional information concerning this investigation will be released as appropriate.