BRANFORD — A disturbance at a local eatery led to the arrest of a Branford man after he assaulted several police officers late Wednesday night, authorities said.
Officers were called to “The Stand” around 11:32 p.m. following a request from management to address a dispute with a customer.
David Massey, 52, refused to leave the premises when instructed by staff.
During the incident, Massey attacked Officer Mitchell-Carter, punching him multiple times in the back of the head and neck.
An employee of The Stand and Officer Luzzi managed to take Massey to the ground, although he continued to resist, resulting in handcuffs being applied to the front of his body.
Upon Officer Suraci’s arrival to assist Officer Luzzi in lifting Massey, he was struck in the face by Massey, who then fell to the ground, dragging Officer Luzzi with him and trapping him in a leg lock.
Additional officers arrived and issued numerous verbal commands to Massey, who tried to bite the officers while tightening his grip on Officer Luzzi.
The officers struck Massey to release his hold.
A taser was drawn but not used as Massey then complied with police commands.
Massey has been charged with three counts of assault on a police officer, one count of breach of peace in the second degree, and one count of criminal trespass in the second degree.
He refused medical attention and was released after posting bond.
Officers Luzzi, Mitchell-Carter, and Suraci received treatment at Yale New Haven Hospital for minor injuries.
Following department policy, the use of force during the incident is under thorough review.
The department is proactively sharing initial details due to a circulating video that shows only a portion of the confrontation.
The Branford Police Department is urging anyone with video footage of the altercation to provide it to Detective Lieutenant Eula at 203-481-4241 for instructions on sharing the video.
