HARTFORD — A Hartford officer who used racial slurs after being arrested for DUI, was arrested again after failing to appear in court Tuesday but those charges were later dropped after a court delay in paperwork appeared to cause a problem.
Robert Lanza was ordered by a judge to be re-arrested after his failure to appear. In August, Lanza was charged with driving under the influence where police said he used racial and ethnic slurs during his arrest.
His attorney said, “My office’s letter of representation and administrative request for continuance with an explanation of Officer Lanza’s absence were provided to the state in a timely fashion. However, there was a delay in the State’s Attorney office in getting that information to the file. The matter was resolved and the warrant was vacated administratively and Officer Lanza was given a continuance date. Matter is proceeding forward as normal.”
Town police said officers stopped the 11-year Hartford police veteran after reports of an erratic driver on state Route 72 in August. Authorities said Lanza slurred his words and smelled of alcohol but refused to said if he’d had anything to drink.
According to Hartford Police, Lanza used several ethnic/racial slurs. These comments were captured on audio and video. Police say the 44-year-old man was unsteady on his feet and wouldn’t take sobriety tests.
Lanza has been assigned to internal administrative duties within the Detective Bureau. Lanza is also charged with interfering with an officer.
Attorney Macci issued the following statement on Lanza’s behalf
Town police said officers stopped the 11-year Hartford police veteran after reports of an erratic driver on state Route 72. Authorities said Lanza slurred his words and smelled of alcohol but refused to said if he’d had anything to drink.