A report on the state police investigation into the death of Lashano Gilbert while in police custody six months ago has reached the state’s attorney’s office and an attorney for Gilbert's family is calling for the release of all video evidence.  

New London County State’s Attorney Michael Regan is expected to eventually rule on whether or not New London police were justified in their use of force in the hours leading up to Gilbert’s Oct. 4 death while en route from the police department to the hospital.

Gilbert, 31, a native of the Bahamas who graduated from medical school in Cuba, was arrested Oct. 3 as a suspect in an attempted carjacking. He was stunned with a Taser after police said he rushed at an officer. Later that night, Gilbert was involved in a struggle with several officers after fleeing his jail cell, stunned twice more and sprayed with pepper spray, according to police.

Police said Gilbert, who had surprised family members with his visit to New London via Canada, was acting in a bizarre manner during the attempted carjacking and while in his holding cell. He was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital following his arrest in the attempted carjacking to remove prongs that attach to the skin when a person is struck with a Taser.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Gilbert’s death a homicide, caused by a “physical altercation (restraint, electric shock, pepper spray) during acute psychosis complicating sickle cell hemoglobinopathy.”

New London police have said surveillance cameras captured much of the incident at police headquarters, which included Gilbert biting one officer in the foot and ankle during police attempts to handcuff him and placing a female officer in a headlock.

Hartford Attorney Jamaal T. Johnson, who represents Gilbert’s family and has filed a notice of intent to file a wrongful death suit against the city, is calling for a release of the video.

“If you have all intentions of being fair and doing the right thing, there is absolutely nothing holding them back from releasing the video and being more transparent,” Johnson said.

“We’re only looking to get to the truth… of what actually happened. It’s disappointing that they are refusing to be more transparent especially in light of what’s going on nationally,” he said.

State police spokesman Sgt. Shane Hassett said the case was “active and ongoing,” and it is the policy of state police not to release any part of the investigation until it is complete.

Johnson argues that “nothing on that video is going to change.”

“Whether they have a right to hold the materials takes a back seat to what’s morally right,” Johnson said. “Our position is just because you have a right doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.”

The Day has a pending Freedom of Information Act request for all materials related to the state police investigation and the internal investigation by New London police. Acting New London Police Chief Peter Reichard said no video would be released without the approval of the state’s attorney’s office.

Citing the pending investigation, State’s Attorney Regan declined comment. Members of Gilbert’s family who live in New London could not be reached for comment.

Johnson said his office is conducting its own investigation and would be “exploring all available avenues” to obtain more information from police.

The timeline for release of Regan’s report is unknown.

g.smith@theday.com

Twitter: @SmittyDay