The household of a person severely injured after a experience in a police van is demanding justice. Individuals packed a city corridor Tuesday night time to name on New Haven to do higher.
Metropolis leaders say they’re going to do every part attainable to ensure it occurs.
Residents, elected officers and several other organizations, together with the NAACP, got here out to point out assist for the Cox household and to precise their outrage at a gathering contained in the Stetson Library in New Haven.
“At any point in time if someone is saying, ‘Help. I think my neck is broken. I can’t move.’ How many times do they need to say it?” requested Richard Cox’s sister, LaToya Boomer.
Richard Cox, nicknamed Randy, stays in the hospital, based on household.
https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/benjamin-crump-among-attorneys-representing-man-injured-while-in-new-haven-police-custody/2815116/
The household’s legal professional, Ben Crump, represented George Floyd’s household and says he met with Cox for the primary time at this time.
“Randy understood what situation he was facing. Even though he can hardly move anything from his chest down, maybe his left shoulder is the most they can get out of him, he could communicate by blinking his eyes and moving his head and, most sadly, crying tears,” Crump mentioned.
“LaToya’s brother went into that police paddy wagon strolling and speaking and respiratory on his personal, and he got here out that paddy wagon unable to talk, unable to stroll, and unable to maneuver.”
-Ben Crump
Greater than per week in the past, New Haven Police mentioned Cox was in the again of a police van when it stopped immediately to keep away from an accident, and Cox was injured.
Video launched by officers present Cox dragged by officers at the detention center whereas ready for paramedics to reach. Since then, metropolis leaders mentioned the 5 officers concerned have been positioned on go away and state police are investigating.
Legal professional Ben Crump and the household of Richard (Randy) Cox are calling for justice after he was left paralyzed from the chest down resulting from a incident whereas in police custody in New Haven.
“You could see his head bobbing around. They’re throwing him around, dragging him around,” Boomer mentioned.
“Was he not worthy of humanity?” Crump requested.
Crump mentioned they’re demanding felony and civil justice, accountability and coverage adjustments to ensure this doesn’t occur once more.
NBC Connecticut
“It is the right thing to do, to stand up for justice for Randy Cox, to speak up for justice for Randy Cox, to fight for justice for Randy Cox,” Crump mentioned.
Assistant Chief Karl Jacobson, who has been nominated as New Haven’s subsequent police chief, and Mayor Justin Elicker spoke, apologizing to the household and promising continued transparency.
“Once they’re in police custody, we owe the person respect. And we owe that person safety. And we did not accomplish that.”
-Mayor Justin Elicker
“This isn’t a proud moment for me or the police department. We are all disheartened by what happened, and I want justice for Randy, as well,” Jacobson mentioned.
The mayor mentioned they’re seeking to implement further coaching for officers to ensure they communicate up once they see a colleague doing one thing that’s not proper. They’re additionally transporting prisoners in police cruisers, the place they’re required to put on a seatbelt, as an alternative of vans as they work to develop procedures and coaching.