BRIDGEPORT, CT — A jury on Friday found a self-appointed community activist guilty of threatening police officers.
Joseph Thompson, 40, of Bridgeport, also known as Joe Grits, was convicted at Bridgeport Superior Court following a day-and-a-half trial.
The case stemmed from social media posts Thompson made after the officer-involved shooting of Dyshan Best on Kossuth Street on March 31.
One post stated: “Somebody gotta die somebody should die with a badge on.”
The Connecticut Inspector General found the shooting of Best to be justified.
Thompson was arrested on April 7 after detectives and task force officers obtained a felony warrant.
He was charged with inciting injury and threatening in the second degree.
Thompson represented himself at trial and rejected a plea deal offered by the State’s Attorney.
The jury returned its verdict shortly after beginning deliberations.
Thompson’s bond was increased to $100,000 on Friday.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2026.
Chief Roderick Porter said he was appreciative of the work of detectives, officers, prosecutors and jurors.
“This guilty verdict sends a message that it is not okay to threaten a member of our department, and those who do will be investigated, arrested and prosecuted,” Porter said.
Officer Michael Salemme, president of the Bridgeport Police Union, praised the verdict.
“I am proud of the teamwork, and the result of the work put in,” Salemme said.
