Town of Groton Police Officers Eric Kunze, left, and Eric Chomka. (Photo courtesy Town of Groton Police Department)
On Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, Chief L. J. Fusaro Jr. presented department coins to two Town of Groton Police Officers — Eric Kunze #795 and Officer Eric Chomka #133 — for their diligent actions in 2024 that led to the arrest of a homicide suspect.
On March 25, 2024, at 10:34 a.m., Officers Kunze and Chomka responded to the Stonington Institute, 618 Poquonnock Road, Groton, CT, for a report of a male in the parking lot bleeding from his head. Upon arrival, they observed Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department personnel tending to the victim and determined that the victim had suffered serious injuries as the result of an assault.
Officers Kunze and Chomka immediately began to develop information from nearby witnesses who reported that the suspect had fled to the nearby High Rock Inn. Officers Kunze and Chomka then went in separate directions in an attempt to identify and locate the suspect.
A short time later, Officer Chomka learned the suspect, identified as ANTWAN STRICKLAND, was recognized by witnesses due to their familiarity with him.
Meanwhile, Officer Kunze continued to search nearby businesses when he found an individual matching the suspect’s description at a local hair salon. After initially denying involvement, STRICKLAND acknowledged who he was. At that time, Officer Chomka arrived, and STRICKLAND was taken into custody without incident.
On Nov. 18, 2024, STRICKLAND was sentenced to five years in prison and three years of probation for violation of Manslaughter in the Second Degree.
Chief L. J. Fusaro Jr. recognized that Officers Kunze and Chomka’s professionalism, diligence, and quick actions led to the apprehension of a dangerous felon.
