Meriden Police Department

04/06/2026

All of us here at the Meriden Police Department extend our sincere congratulations to Officer Michael Giambrone and his brand new K9 partner Beskar. Today both officers successfully graduated from the 262nd patrol canine class conducted by the Connecticut State police canine unit.

This accomplishment represents months of dedication, hard work, and commitment to professional excellence. In addition to successfully completing the rigorous training program, Officer Giambrone was honored with the prestigious Daniel S. Wasson Memorial Canine Award for Excellence, a testament to his outstanding performance and dedication throughout the course.

Congratulations to Officer Giambrone and K9 Beskar and we wish them both continued success and we look forward to the positive impact they will have while serving the community here in Meriden. 

04/06/2026

04/06/2026

OFC Andrew Tomer was recently awarded the Enrique “Kiki” Camarena award. This is a huge honor celebrating all the work OFC Tomer had done during his time working with the United States Postal task force.

The Enrique S. Camarena Award is an extremely prestigious award presented annually by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) to a member of the law enforcement community who best exemplifies the qualities and dedication of DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was murdered in 1985 while investigating drug cartels.

Ofc. Tomer was an important member of the task force which was paramount in the seizure of millions of dollars worth of illegal narcotics to include large amounts of fentanyl and a wide variety of illegal fi****ms.

Ofc Tomer served this agency, this city, and his federal task force assignment with extreme dedication, loyalty, and integrity. Congratulations to OFC. Tomer, very well deserved.

03/06/2026

On May 28, 2026, officers observed a group of individuals congregating on the steps leading to and over the bridge on the Pratt Street side of the Green.

As officers approached the group, Marcus Gibson, age 35, began walking away. When officers moved closer, Gibson suddenly fled on foot, leading officers on a brief pursuit. With the assistance of Amtrak Police, Gibson was apprehended and taken into custody.

A records check revealed Gibson was wanted on an active PRAWN re-arrest warrant issued by the Plainville Police Department. He was processed and charged on the warrant with Failure to Appear in the Second Degree and was held on a court-set bond of $2,500 cash or surety.

As a result of his actions during the incident, Gibson was additionally charged with Interfering with an Officer for fleeing from police and Violating a City Ordinance for being present in the park after posted hours. He was held on an additional $2,500 cash or surety bond for those charges.

29/05/2026

PRESS RELEASE: MOTOR VEHICLE INCIDENT WITH INJURIES
Meriden Police Case #26-14953

On May 28th 2026 at approximately 1713 hours, patrol officers were dispatched to the parking lot of 153 Broad Street, CVS, on the report of a child that was bleeding, being placed in a vehicle and that vehicle
leaving the parking lot at a high rate of speed.
Upon arrival, officers discovered evidence of an unknown injury within the parking lot. Information was received that a 4 year old was being treated at Mid State Medical Center for a traumatic head injury.
As officers arrived at Mid State to investigate, it was learned that the child was transported to Connecticut Children's Hospital in Hartford.
After locating the mother of the child at Connecticut Children's Hospital, where the child was being
treated, it was discovered that the child had been struck by the family's vehicle within the parking lot of CVS. That the mother, who was the operator, did not know the child was not in the vehicle before
starting to drive away, causing injury to the child. This was later corroborated by video evidence.
The operator and family are cooperating with police and the child is in stable condition and Connecticut Children's Hospital, recovering.
Any witnesses to this incident are asked to contact Officer William White at 203-630-6201 or
[email protected]

27/05/2026

Date: 05/28/2026
Incident: Manslaughter with a Motor Vehicle - Update

MERIDEN— On December 13, 2025 at approximately 7:14 P.M. the Meriden Police Department received several calls about a person struck by a vehicle in the area of Broad Street and Twiss Avenue. Upon arrival officers found a male on the roadway with serious injuries near 978 Broad Street. The vehicle that struck the male had fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

The victim was transported to Mid-State Medical Center were unfortunately he later died due to his injuries. The victim was initially unable to be identified due to having no identification on his person. On 12/15/2025, the victim was identified as Wilfredo Rivera-Rivera 03/03/1999.

The Meriden Police Department Accident Investigation unit as well as the Detective Division responded to the scene to investigate.

After reviewing surveillance video from the area, it was determined that this was not an accident but an intentional act that led to Rivera-Rivera death. Prior to Rivera-Rivera being struck by the vehicle there was a physical altercation that took place between the two.

Jeffrey Kovic 11/12/1986 was arrested on 12/16/2025 for Manslaughter in the First Degree.

UPDATE: Upon further investigation and discussion with the State’s Attorney’s Office in New Haven it was determined that an arrest warrant would be sought for Loumary Laclaustra (1/30/1987), for her role in this incident.

On 05/19/2026, Loumary Laclaustra turned herself in on the active warrant. She was charged as follows:

Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree 53a-165aa
Conspiracy to Commit Tampering with Physical Evidence 53a-48/53a-155(a)(1)

Loumary Laclaustra was processed and released on a $50,000.00-dollar non-surety bond with a court date of June 2, 2026.

27/05/2026

Meriden, CT — The Meriden Police Department is pleased to announce a new partnership with LINKED - Autism Safety Project, furthering our commitment to serve all members of our community with compassion and understanding.
The Meriden Police Department has long prioritized accessibility and safety for individuals with autism and other disabilities. We remain grateful for our ongoing partnership with Walk with Derek, whose collaborative efforts helped establish our current disability registration system available on our website. We recognize that families connect with different organizations within the autism and disability community, and we believe in meeting families where they are.
Through this expanded partnership with LINKED, founded by Autism advocate and mother Ashley McClain, we are introducing additional resources and tools to complement our existing safety programs:
Enhanced Registration Options:
Caregivers and families may now register loved ones with autism or other disabilities through:
• A new LINKED registration portal accessible through the LINKED website at https://linkedasp.com/community-partners. Just click on the Meriden Police Patch.
• Our existing online form at Police Forms and Documents
• In-person registration at the Meriden Police Department
All registration systems are secure, confidential, and provide first responders with individualized information that enables them to create pre-arrival response plans tailored to the specific needs of registered individuals. The goal is to ensure safe, informed, and compassionate responses during times of crisis.
New Resources for Registered Families:
• An Emergency Planning Packet with personalized instructions and tools to navigate both the program and emergency situations.
• A professionally developed Emergency Preparedness Social Story, a visual and written guide to help individuals with Autism and disability better understand emergency interactions.
• Access to resources designed to improve communication, comfort, and safety.
Enhanced Equipment:
• Emergency vehicles have been equipped with Sensory Packs containing calming tools recommended by professionals
• LINKED will also provide the Emergency Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) – a visual communication tool for non-verbal individuals to support meaningful interaction with emergency personnel.
In addition, Meriden Police Department officers will have access to specialized Autism training through the LINKED – Autism Safety Program. This training equips officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to better understand and support members of the Autism and disability community.
The Meriden Police Department is committed to ensuring every resident receives respectful, informed, and effective emergency services. By partnering with multiple organizations, we can reach more families and provide diverse resources that meet different needs within our community.
The Department extends sincere appreciation to Joe Vollano for his generous donation supporting the LINKED sensory bags, and to Linda DeWolfe and Ray Oulette for their assistance in coordinating this partnership.
These programs are completely free and open to all Meriden residents. We encourage residents to share these resources with anyone who may benefit.
For more information:
• Register online: https://linkedasp.com/community-partners
• Visit the Meriden Police Department in person
• Learn more about LINKED: www.linkedasp.com

27/05/2026

Date: 05/22/2026
Incident: Stabbing Arrest

MERIDEN— On August 31, 2025 at approximately 1:20 A.M., members of the Meriden Police Department’s Patrol Division responded to Midstate Medical Center after a male arrived with serious stab wounds.

The responding officers determined the stabbing occurred around the El Imperio Disk Bar located at 163 Springdale Avenue in Meriden. Officers responded to the area of the bar and observed evidence of a crime scene in the roadway and on the sidewalk. The Detective Division was called to assist in the investigation.

Upon completion of the investigation, it was determined several physical altercations occurred both inside of the El Imperio Disk Bar and just outside the bar. One of the physical altercations involved the male stab victim and a Cristofer Isreal Vasquez-Lequi (8-30-07). During this altercation, it is alleged that Vasquez-Lequi stabbed the male victim several times.

After a lengthy investigation and in collaboration with the State’s Attorney’s Office in New Haven, an arrest warrant was secured for Cristofer Isreal Vasquez-Lequi for the Violation of Connecticut General Statute 53a-59 Assault 1st Degree with a court set bond of $250,000.

On 5/19/2026, Cristofer Isreal Vasquez-Lequi came to the Meriden Police Department to turn himself in on this active arrest warrant.

The Meriden Police Department is committed to combating violence within the City of Meriden.

To report tips for violent crimes, email the Major Crimes Unit at [email protected] or
call 203-630-6253.

To report tips for narcotics activity, email the Crime Suppression Unit at [email protected] or call 203-630-6273.

23/05/2026