The Waterbury Times|Archives Desk|Published Apr 2, 2026

Editor’s Note: This article was originally compiled from the 2020 Inspector General report and related records. The Waterbury Times did not exist at the time; this piece has been archived as part of our investigative coverage.

Waterbury- On December 8, 2020, what began as a routine felony arrest on Marley Place in Waterbury quickly escalated into one of the city’s most chaotic officer-involved incidents in recent memory. The confrontation involved stolen vehicles, crashed police cars, officer gunfire, and dozens of bystanders—a dramatic sequence captured on video and later fully investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Inspector General.

The Arrest

At approximately 2:15 PM, Waterbury Police Officers Garrett Pagel, Ronald Sackett, and Charles Mauriello responded to Marley Place to arrest Robert Harrison. The officers parked their cruisers in a row and approached Harrison on foot.

Almost immediately, two stolen SUVs—a Volkswagen and an Audi—pulled onto Marley Place, traveling at high speed. The vehicles appeared intent on fleeing the police presence and drove directly toward the officers, Harrison, and their parked vehicles.

Vehicle Collision and Officer Response

SUV #1, later identified as the stolen Audi, struck the rear of an unmarked undercover police vehicle, injuring Officer Marc Sharoh with a concussion. It then rammed a third cruiser before fleeing toward Wolcott Street.

Seconds later, SUV #2, driven by a 16-year-old male, followed the same path. The vehicle collided with the first cruiser, drove over its rear, and struck a parked van. Officer Pagel exited his vehicle, drew his duty weapon, and fired six rounds at the SUV in defense.

No officers or civilians were fatally injured. Officer Charles Mauriello sustained a non-life-threatening injury from “friendly fire,” while Officer Sharoh limped from the impact of the first collision. The juvenile driver fled but abandoned the car later that day and was subsequently arrested for multiple felony charges, including Attempted Assault on an Officer.

Investigation and Findings

The Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad, in coordination with the Litchfield State’s Attorney’s Office, conducted a thorough investigation spanning several months. Sworn statements were collected from officers, the detainee, and civilian witnesses. Firearms analysis and scene reconstruction were completed.

On September 20, 2021, the Inspector General submitted a summary report concluding that Officer Pagel’s use of deadly force was justified under Connecticut General Statute §53a-22(a).

Timeline Highlights

The video of the incident, lasting just over three minutes, shows 34 vehicles passing along Wolcott Street while the confrontation unfolded—a vehicle every 6.5 seconds on average—highlighting both the danger to the public and the split-second decisions officers were forced to make.

Community Impact and Legacy

The Marley Place incident remains one of the most dramatic law enforcement confrontations in Waterbury’s history. It underscores the risks officers face daily and the importance of precise, lawful decision-making in moments of extreme danger. Despite the chaos, the event concluded without fatalities, and the investigation confirmed that officers acted within legal bounds.

For the Waterbury Police Department and the community, Marley Place is a reminder of the volatility of policing, the role of high-risk juvenile offenders, and the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement.

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Archives Desk

From the Archives Desk: This story is part of our ongoing effort to preserve critical events in Waterbury’s history. Explore more of our investigative archives for the full timeline, reports, and detailed coverage of the city’s law enforcement incidents.

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