Felony costs have been introduced in opposition to 5 New Haven law enforcement officials after a person was critically injured and paralyzed whereas in police custody in June.
New Haven Police stated Richard “Randy” Cox was in the again of a police van on June 19 for processing on a weapons cost when the motive force stopped all of a sudden to keep away from an accident and Cox went headfirst into the wall of the van.
Officers additionally launched movies that present Cox was dragged by officers at the detention center whereas ready for paramedics to reach.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker stated the New Haven State’s Lawyer determined to deliver prison costs in opposition to the officers.
State police issued the warrants and stated Officer Oscar Diaz, 54; Officer Ronald Pressley, 56; Officer Jocelyn Lavandier, 35; Officer Luis Rivera, 40; and Sgt. Betsy Segui, 40, turned themselves in to State Police Troop F – Westbrook Monday.
The fees embrace reckless endangerment in the second diploma and cruelty to individuals.
“As I’ve stated from day one, the Metropolis of New Haven is dedicated to accountability for all people concerned in this tragic incident. Primarily based on in the present day’s arrests, it’s clear that the State’s Lawyer has decided there’s possible trigger that the actions of those officers violated state prison legal guidelines – and, finally, the ultimate verdict will likely be appropriately determined by the prison justice system. I’m glad to see the method is transferring ahead to assist make sure that justice is served,” Elicker stated in a press release.
The arrest warrant purposes state that Officer Diaz was assigned to drive the prisoner transport van, which didn’t have seat belts and as an alternative had straps hooked up to metallic seats. While in the van, Cox was handcuffed together with his arms behind his again.
When one other automobile went although a cease signal at Division and Mansfield streets, Diaz stopped shortly to keep away from a crash and Cox slid ahead and hit the metallic partition in the van, fell facedown to the ground and referred to as for assist, in line with the arrest warrant utility.
“I literally can’t move. Yo, I think I broke my neck, yo,” Cox was heard saying on video, in line with police.
Cox was dropped at Yale New Haven Hospital, the place he was recognized to have a fractured neck and paralysis from the chin down.
The state dropped all costs in opposition to Cox that led to him being put in the van. They included unlawful possession of a firearm and threatening.
New Haven officers introduced a sequence of police reforms this summer time stemming from the case, together with eliminating the usage of police vans for many prisoner transports and utilizing marked police automobiles as an alternative. In addition they require officers to instantly name for an ambulance to reply to their location if the prisoner requests or seems to wish medical assist.
The 5 officers stay on paid administrative go away, posted $25,000 bond and are scheduled to seem in court docket on Dec. 8.
New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson stated he respects the choice by the state’s lawyer and the interior affairs investigation will resume.
“Now that the Connecticut State Police has accomplished its investigation and the State’s Lawyer has introduced costs in opposition to the 5 officers concerned in this incident, I’ve directed the New Haven Police Division’s Workplace of Inside Affairs to instantly resume our inside investigation into this matter,” Jacobson stated in a press release.
He stated the Workplace of Inside Affairs will formally evaluate the incident in its entirety and decide whether or not the officers violated police division protocols and procedures.
“Once the investigation is complete, I will review the findings and make recommendations as to what discipline may be appropriate,” Jacobson added.
He stated he has authority to problem self-discipline as much as a 15-day suspension and any suggestion past that have to be referred to the New Haven Board of Police Commissioners, who would then finally determine on the suitable self-discipline, as much as and together with termination.
“The Metropolis of New Haven additionally stays dedicated to pursuing an expedited decision to the associated civil lawsuit and to persevering with to advance the comprehensive police reforms and policy changes that the Metropolis has adopted and enacted because the incident,” Elicker stated in a press release. “What happened to Randy was unacceptable, and we will work to make sure something like this never happens again.”
In September, (*5*) in opposition to the 5 officers concerned in the incident and the Metropolis of New Haven.
“While today’s news that these officers will face some accountability is an important first step towards justice for Randy, we know there is more work to be done on his behalf,” said Benjamin Crump, Cox’s attorney. “We will continue to fight for him throughout this process, and stand beside him as he navigates the long road toward recovery.”