NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Five New Haven police officers have been charged with misconduct for assaulting a black man while he was in custody.
Prosecutors allege their actions resulted in the man’s paralysis from the chest down.
As TBEN’s Christina Fan reports, five New Haven police officers have been charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons in the arrest of Randy Cox.
New Haven’s mayor and police chief responded to the district attorney’s decision.
“I want to reiterate that what happened to Randy was unacceptable and we want to do everything we can to make sure it never happens again,” Mayor Justin Elicker said.
Police took Cox to a New Haven police station on June 19 to charge him with gun possession.
According to authorities, the officer was speeding and braked hard to avoid a collision. Cox flew headfirst into the wall of the van, which had no seatbelt.
Despite Cox’s repeated cries for help, officers accused him of being drunk and faking his injuries. They dragged him out of the van by his feet and placed him in a cell.
“As I have said from day one, the City of New Haven is committed to being accountable to all individuals involved in this tragic incident. Today’s announcement is an important step in that process,” said Elicker.
Back in September, Cox’s legal team also announced a civil lawsuit against the City of New Haven.
The mayor said changes have been made to the police force to ensure that detainees are properly detained.
The officers turned themselves in to a state police barracks on Monday. Each was processed, posted $25,000 bail and is due to appear in court on December 8.
Christina Fan
