Family demands answers after Norwich police response led to son's death

The Norwich City Council meeting on January 21, 2025, featured a poignant public comment from a grieving parent regarding the circumstances surrounding their son's tragic death. The parent detailed a series of events that began on September 15, 2024, when their son sought help at a local business. Instead of receiving immediate medical assistance, the parent claimed that police officers responded to the scene, leading to significant delays in medical care.

According to the parent, their son was suffering from a serious medical emergency, yet an ambulance was not dispatched until 37 minutes after the initial call. The parent reported that upon arrival at the hospital, their son had sustained severe injuries and was not treated for a drug overdose, but rather for respiratory failure caused by inhaling debris. Tragically, the son passed away 16 days later.

The parent expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and communication from the Norwich Police Department, stating that they had requested various records related to the incident, including 911 calls and body camera footage, but had not received them. They also mentioned filing a complaint with the police department and reaching out to the mayor for assistance, but felt their concerns were not being addressed.

The case is currently under investigation by the Office of Inspector General, and the parent emphasized their ongoing struggle for answers regarding their son's final moments. This emotional testimony highlighted concerns about police response protocols and the need for accountability in emergency medical situations. The council's response to this matter remains to be seen as the investigation continues.