NEW HAVEN – The trial for a Meriden police officer accused of brutality is set to begin Tuesday in federal court.
Evan Cossette is charged with using unreasonable force and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors say Cossette pushed a prisoner in a police holding cell, causing the man to fall and injure his head.
Cossette, who is the son of Meriden’s police chief, Jeffry Cossette, pleaded not guilty to the charges in November.
A video camera in the holding cell captured the incident. Last month, Cossette’s lawyers tried to have the video ruled inadmissible, but a judge ruled the jury will be able to see the tape. Cossette claims the prisoner, Pedro Temich, was being combative and tried to head-butt him or kick him before the push occurred.