Wallingford, Conn./WTIC Radio - The state inspector general has ruled the use of force by a state trooper last year on a domestic violence suspect was warranted.
Trooper Joshua Wedge briefly applied a chokehold to subdue a suspect, 35-year-old Ira Turner.
The incident occurred last May 13th.
Troopers responded to Interstate 91 northbound at exit 13.
Investigators say there was a protective order on Turner by a victim.
As police attempted to stop Turner, a pursuit ensued reaching speeds of 95 mph.
Turner's car was ultimately boxed in and he attempted to flee on foot.
The OIG's report says Turner repeatedly ignored commands to cease resisting, after which the chokehold was applied.
He complained of breathing problems thereafter, was treated at a hospital and subsequently charged with kidnapping and violating a protective order.
The OIG goes on to say while state statute doesn't authorize using a chokehold to defend a third party, in this case Trooper Brandon Poirier, who assisted in the arrest, on the full record of this case, however, I do not believe that Trooper Wedge’s use of force was unjustified".