Sam Gurwitt Photo
Hamden Mayor Curt Leng.
Hamden Mayor Curt Leng announced Friday evening that the Hamden Police Department has begun its own internal investigation of the April 16 officer-involved shooting that saw Hamden Officer Devin Eaton and Yale Officer Terrance Pollock shoot at an unarmed couple in Newhallville.
The state attorney’s office is currently investigating the incident, in which Eaton and Pollock shot 16 rounds at Stephanie Washington and Paul Witherspoon, sending Washington to the hospital and sparking over a week of protests.
Below is Leng’s press release in full.
Chief of Police John Cappiello has opened an investigation concerning the officer-involved-shooting that occurred on April 16, 2019.
The investigation will be conducted by the Department’s Ethics and Integrity Unit, in conjunction with an outside, expert professional with experience in use-of-force allegations and best police practices.
Chief Cappiello has advised the State’s Attorney of the pending administrative investigation. Unlike the pending State Police independent investigation being conducted by the State’s Attorney, the Hamden investigation will focus on compliance with department policies and expectations.
The Police Chief and I have been, and will continue to be, in regular contact with the State’s Attorney to ensure that we avoid any potential conflict and to receive regular updates on the criminal investigation.
We will have no other comment at this time, as the investigation is pending.