NEW HAVEN, Conn. — New Haven Acting Police Chief Rush Kittle and Assistant Chief Karl Jacobson along with Mayor Elicker provided information on a recent arrest and injuries sustained by an arrestee while in police custody on Sunday.
Kittle ordered an immediate and thorough internal affairs investigation of the incident, officials said.
According to Elicker, the arrestee suffered a serious injury while in the back of the police transport van, which appears to have impacted his neck and/or spine and could potentially cause paralysis.
The man alerted the officer driving saying he was injured and could not move and alerted other officers, Kittle said.
Jacobson said there was, and still is, a concern of possible paralysis with the arrestee.
“In our policies and procedures, when you’re transporting someone and you’re aware that they’re injured, you’re supposed to stop and get medical attention immediately," Jacobson said.
Officials said the officers involved proceeded to put the man in detention, first by wheelchair and then physically moving him into detention. From there, EMS took the man to Yale New Haven Hospital where he underwent surgery, Kittle said.
The man, 36-year-old Richard Cox, was arrested Sunday night on Lilac Street after New Haven Police received a weapons complaint, officials said.
Kittle said the man had a Rover P98 handgun and was uncooperative while being taken into custody. He is also a felon, according to officials.
He was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, threatening in the first degree, threatening in the second degree, and breach of peace in the second degree.
As he was taken to the detention facility in the prisoner van, the car had to make an abrupt stop to avoid a car accident, Kittle said.
"Based upon the information that the hospital has shared with the police department, and we have learned from the family, Mr. Cox suffered serious injury and may suffer paralysis," Kittle said.
Cox was believed to be in the detention center between 10-15 minutes, and medical crews were called before his arrival.
Elicker said they are currently collecting information since there is an ongoing investigation on the case.
They are working on releasing video footage of the incident, Elicker said.
Jacobson noted that typically, officers are supposed to call for medical attention immediately.
It is still early in the investigation and they are still looking at the case, Jacobson said.
"Condolences to the family and we hope he has a speedy recovery," Jacobson said.
Police said there were no seatbelts in the van Cox was being transported in, only loops to hold onto.
"Due to this incident, myself and Acting Chief Rush have ordered the two vans without seatbelts taken off the roads until we can figure out the best means of transporting someone," Jacobson said.
The State Attorney's Office and the State's Office of the Inspector General so they can take any and all action deemed appropriate, Kittle said.
Police are looking to release video soon, officials said.
Jareliz Diaz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jdiaz@fox61.com
Elisha Machado is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at emachado@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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