EAST HARTFORD — A federal lawsuit alleges officers with a m East Hartford police department used excessive and racially discriminatory force on a man that resulted in his death.
Jose Maldonado’s brother says in the Feb. 2 lawsuit that East Hartford officers beat and shocked Maldonado with a stun gun for more than 20 seconds while in police custody in 2014. The 22-year-old Maldonado was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly afterward. A medical examiner ruled Maldonado’s death a homicide.
East Hartford police didn’t immediately return messages seeking comment Wednesday.
Police previously said Maldonado became combative at the police department after being arrested for punching out a car window while intoxicated.
State police are investigating Maldonado’s death and haven’t charged anyone.
The lawsuit was first reported by the Journal Inquirer.
