Off-Duty Connecticut Officer Suspended and Arrested for Punching Motorist

A Connecticut police officer, Corporal Allen Ganter, was suspended for five days and arrested on assault charges after a video showed him punching a motorist, Thomas Brocuglio, during an altercation while off duty in December. The incident occurred on December 8, 2023, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Dash cam footage obtained by outlets, including CBS affiliate WFSB-TV, captured Ganter punching Brocuglio in the face through his driver's side window after they argued about turning right at a red light. Brocuglio pointed out that the sign at the intersection said "Stop here on red" and not "No turn on red," leading to the altercation. Ganter, seen waving his badge, argued there was no right turn on red at the location despite the lack of a sign indicating that. After the altercation, Brocuglio accused Ganter of being distracted on his phone and asked for his badge number. Ganter threatened to write a ticket before punching Brocuglio. Following the incident, Brocuglio called 911 to report the assault. Ganter was charged with third-degree assault and breach of peace, and he was placed in a probation program with a court appearance scheduled for January. The Meriden police department stated that Ganter violated their rules of conduct and suspended him for five days without pay. He is also required to attend mandatory de-escalation training for three years. The department did not provide additional comments when contacted by media outlets.