NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Two officers in Connecticut have been positioned on paid depart after a person was significantly injured in the again of a police van and dragged across the police station earlier than being taken to a hospital with indicators of paralysis, authorities mentioned.
New Haven Assistant Police Chief Karl Jacobson mentioned at a information convention Tuesday night that Officer Oscar Diaz didn’t comply with a division coverage that requires officers to name for medical help and anticipate paramedics when somebody is in misery in a police car.
“This is a horrible factor that occurred to this younger man, and we’re going to do every part attainable so it doesn’t occur once more,” Jacobson mentioned.
City police on Tuesday additionally launched movies of their dealing with of Richard Cox and mentioned state police have been known as in to analyze.
Cox, 36, of New Haven, was arrested on a gun cost Sunday. He was being handled at a hospital and there was an opportunity he could possibly be completely paralyzed, Mayor Justin Elicker mentioned.
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While handcuffed in the again of the van, Cox flew headfirst right into a wall when Diaz braked arduous to keep away from an accident, police mentioned. A digicam recorded the moments when Cox was injured. There have been no seat belts in the again of the van.
Diaz then resumed driving to the police division regardless of Cox calling for assist and saying he was injured and could not transfer, in response to the video and officers. A couple of minutes later, Diaz stopped the van to verify on Cox, who was mendacity immobile on the ground.
Diaz then known as paramedics, however informed them to fulfill him on the station as an alternative of ready for them, Jacobson mentioned.
At the station, officers dragged Cox out of the van by his toes and put him in a wheelchair, video reveals. Police then booked Cox, took him out of the wheelchair and dragged him right into a cell, the place he was left on the ground, video reveals.
Paramedics arrived minutes later and took Cox to a hospital, officers mentioned.
Elicker mentioned Tuesday night that he discovered the officers’ motion, and inaction, “fairly regarding.”
“Once {the handcuffs} go on, you’re then in the care of the New Haven Police Department and there’s an obligation to deal with each particular person in a way that ensures their security and well-being,” he mentioned. “Some of the actions taken by the officers, in my private judgment, fall wanting that.”
Diaz and Sgt. Betsy Segui, who works in the division’s detention space, have been positioned on paid depart pending an investigation. Three different officers have been transferred out of the detention space, officers mentioned. Officers are heard on movies telling Cox at varied factors to face up or transfer, however he couldn’t.
Messages searching for remark have been despatched to Diaz, Segui and the native police union.
Lawyers Lou Rubano and R.J. Weber III mentioned in a press release that they’re representing Cox and questioned law enforcement officials’ dealing with of him.
“We are praying for Mr. Cox’s well-being. He has an extended and painful restoration forward of him. His household is united and by his facet,” they mentioned.
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