Bridgeport Man Convicted Of Threatening Police Officers In Social Media Posts

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A Bridgeport Superior Court jury on Friday found Joseph Thompson, 40, also known as "Joe Grits," guilty of threatening Bridgeport police officers in connection with social media posts made last year.

Prosecutors said the case stemmed primarily from posts Thompson made following the March 31, 2025, officer-involved shooting of Dyshan Best on Kossuth Street. Among the posts cited during the case was a statement that read: "Somebody gotta die somebody should die with a badge on."

The shooting of Best was later determined to be justified by the Connecticut Office of the Inspector General.

Thompson was arrested on April 7, 2025, after Bridgeport police detectives and task force officers obtained a felony arrest warrant. He was charged with inciting injury and second-degree threatening.

Thompson represented himself during the day-and-a-half trial. Jurors returned a guilty verdict shortly after beginning deliberations. According to authorities, Thompson previously declined a plea agreement offered by the state.

Following the verdict, Thompson's bond was increased to $100,000, and he remains in custody. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27.

Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter thanked the investigators, prosecutors and jurors involved in the case.

"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 in a statement.

Michael Salemme, president of the Bridgeport Police Union, also commented on the verdict.

"I am proud of the teamwork, and the result of the work put in," Salemme said. "This Union will continue to advocate for the safety, dignity, and protection of every member and their family."