Connecticut officer suspended for 5 days after video shows him punching motorist while off duty

MERIDEN, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut police officer was suspended for five days and arrested on assault charges after punching a motorist during a confrontation while off duty in December. Dashcam video made public following a freedom of information request shows Meriden Police Cpl. Allen Ganter punching the motorist, Thomas Brocuglio, in the face through the driver’s side window of his car after the two argued over why Ganter wasn’t turning right at a red light. Ganter was charged with third-degree assault and breach of peace. Meriden Police say Ganter was suspended for five days without pay for violating the department’s rules of conduct. He also is required to attend mandatory de-escalation training for three years.