Wayne police shooting draws civil rights review
Family's lawyer questions use-of-force compliance
By: Manahil Ahmad
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... An attorney will investigate civil claims into whether a Wayne police officer violated New Jersey;s sue-of-force directive when he shot a man experiencing a mental health crisis in his home last month. [02/2025]
....
Richard Lomurro, of Lommurro Law, said his firm is reviewing potential civil claims for Connor Darpino, who was shot seven times by a Wayne police officer February 14. [2025] Lomurro has served tort claim notices on the Wayne Police Department and other public entires believed to be involved.
..... A message left for Wayne police was not returned.
..... The shooting is also under investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General's Office as required for all police-involved shootings.
..... Darpino's parents had called 911 that evening, seeking medical aid because they believed their son had injected too much prescription medication, according to Lomurro. Instead of medical personnel, police arrived at the home, where Darpino was in his bedroom.
.....
According to Lomurro, body camera footage and discovery materials show Darpino was a full staircase and floor away from police when they entered the house. He repeatedly asked them to leave. Officers saw he was holding antique swords but Lomurro noted that he could not reach anyone else, including them.
..... After officers threaten to use a stun gun, Darpino retreated to his bedroom and closed the door. For the next eight minutes, he remained inside without incident.
.....
"When he was in his room, they had time to de-escalate, to bring in a criis negotiator, or just to leave," Lomurro said. "They did none of that."
..... The officers stayed in the house and openly discussed a plan to use a stun gun if Darpino reemerged.
.....
When he dod come out, holding on antique sword at the top of the staircase, no stun gun was used. Instead, an officer positioned outside the open front door shot him multiple times. Other officers inside the home, who were closer to Darpino did not open fire.
..... Lomurro said his investigation is focused on whether the officer's actions deviated form the Attorney General's April 2020 use-of-force directive, which outlines how police should respond to situationist involving people in crisis.
..... "There was a mental criss happening and there was no expert in negotiation," Lomurro said. "they had eight minutes to leave the house and deescalate the situation."
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Darpino survived but has undergone multiple surgeries, including heart surgery, and has what Lomurro described as a "zipper scar" from his injuries.
..... His parents, who had been taken outside the house by police," witnessed the shooting.
..... "They weren't so far form the officer who shot their son," Lomurro said. "They witnessed their son getting shot seven times."
..... Darpino had been charged and has pleaded not guilty. his defense attorney, Alissa Hascup, is representing him in the criminal case.
..... Lomurro said that if his investigation finds the officer violated the directive, he will seek damages.