West Haven Police Officer Accused Of Punching Man 18 Times In The Head: Report

WEST HAVEN, CT — A West Haven police officer is accused of punching a man in the head 18 times during an arrest in July, according to WFSB 3.

City officials announced Tuesday that an officer had been removed from duty after being accused of using excessive force by another officer. West Haven Police Chief Joseph S. Perno held a news conference on Wednesday to discuss the officer’s status.

WFSB 3 reports Officer Richard Naccarato, 32, has been charged with second-degree assault in connection with a July 1 incident outside JR’s Place on Campbell Avenue. Naccarato, who joined the West Haven Police Department in 2021, has been on administrative leave since July 4.

Police responded to JR’s Bar & Grill on July 1 on the report of an unwanted person who was sitting on the sidewalk and refused to leave, according to WFSB.

WFSB reports the man punched Naccarato in the left side of his head while he was being placed under arrest and continued to fight with officers while on the ground.

Naccarato is accused of punching the man 18 times in the head while he was on top of him, according to WFSB.

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Naccarato was reported by a fellow officer for use of excessive force and was immediately removed from duty, put on leave and turned over to the state’s attorney, city officials said.

The West Haven Police Department has applied for Naccarato’s decertification, and the state’s attorney’s office is reviewing his actions.

Read more at WFSB 3 here.