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First on Fox: Sources say Witherspoon unarmed when officers fired on car

MIDDLETOWN — A source close to the investigation tells FOX 61 that the body camera video, which State Police Commissioner James Rovella says he expects to...
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MIDDLETOWN — A source close to the investigation tells FOX 61 that the body camera video, which State Police Commissioner James Rovella says he expects to release next week, shows that Paul Witherspoon was unarmed when officers opened fire on his car.

In a statement released earlier Friday, Rovella asked “for a little patience” from those pushing for the release of the video. Video of the April 16 shooting became available to State Police on April 18, according to Rovella’s statement. “Transparency is paramount in these types of investigations,” Rovella said.

State police released a statement earlier Friday afternoon saying they expect to release body camera footage along with other details of the investigation into a police involved shooting next week.

State police took over the investigation into the shooting of  21-year-old Paul Witherspoon III, and his girlfriend, 22-year-old Stephanie Washington. The pair were in a car that was stopped by police early Tuesday morning. The Hamden police officer involved in the shooting on Dixwell Avenue and Argyle Street in New Haven is identified as Officer Devin Eaton. Eaton has been placed on administrative leave. Yale University Police officer Terrance Pollock, a 16 year veteran, sustained an injury during the officer involved shooting. He was treated and released at a local hospital after a source says he was shot in one of his legs. Pollock has been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

James C. Rovella, Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection issued a statement saying:

The investigation includes but is not limited to the accumulation of all public and private video camera data available. As of 4-18-19, Hamden Police Body Camera footage became available to analyze and evaluate.

We support everyone’s rights to free speech. We thank the New Haven Police Department’s efforts to keep everyone safe. We ask for a little patience but we expect to release to the public details of the investigation including Body Camera video next week. The integrity of the investigation, fair treatment for the individuals in the vehicle, Officers involved and Transparency is paramount in these types of investigations.”

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