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On 2-2-23 at 3:30 PM, officers assigned to the Waterbury Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) were proactively patrolling the downtown area to address quality of life related issues. At this time, officers were notified that an anonymous complaint was received of an adult male openly loading a firearm while causing a disturbance in the area of West Main ST and Leavenworth ST. CPU officers checked the area and were able to locate an adult male nearby matching the description provided. Furthermore, officers recognized the adult male as a suspect involved in two recent shots fired incidents in the city. The suspect was later identified as James Thomas (37 Years Old) of 17 Burton ST, Waterbury.

Officers approached Thomas to further investigate the weapons complaint and he immediately became uncooperative and physically combative. He refused verbal commands to show his hands and resisted officers’ efforts to take him into custody. Thomas was continually trying to place his hands in his waistband area while resisting the officers. Once Thomas was taken into police custody and searched, officers located a loaded Smith and Wesson 9MM Pistol tucked inside Thomas’ waistband area with a high capacity magazine containing 11 rounds of ammunition and an additional high capacity magazine containing 30 rounds of ammunition. Thomas was also found to be in possession of 1,458 bags of heroin along with 140 grams of raw heroin.

Thomas was provided medical treatment on scene for sustained injuries and was transported to Saint Mary’s Hospital for further treatment and evaluation of his injuries. One of the involved officers in the incident was also injured while taking Thomas into police custody and he has since been treated and released from Saint Mary’s Hospital.

Thomas did not possess a valid State of Connecticut Pistol Permit and had a previous conviction for Assault 3rd which is considered to be a disqualifying offense to own and carry firearms. Thomas was placed under arrest for the following offenses: Breach of Peace 2nd Degree, Interfering with Police, Criminal Possession of a Pistol, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Sale / Transfer of a Pistol, Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine and Possession of an Ounce or more of Heroin. No bond has been set as of this time.