Residents Lash Out About Crash Review

Residents in Windsor Locks lashed out Tuesday night about the findings of an independent report involving an off-duty police officer who hit and killed a 15-year-old boy last October.

It was standing room only inside the Ella Grasso room at town hall during the police commission meeting.

The report found the police investigation in which Officer Michael Koistenen killed Henry Dang was plagued by a “lack of leadership” and “poor management” by the now retired police chief.

Residents say the missteps by the department that night are inexcusable and demanded changes at the police department.

“I don't like the way it was handled, no drug or alcohol testings, everyone seemed to be pointing fingers in the other direction," said Peter Campbell, of Windsor Locks.

Koistenen never submitted to a blood or breath test after the crash, which the investigation found broke the law since there had been a fatality.  Officers also found beer bottle caps littering Koistenen’s floor and a 30-pack of beer in his backseat but never thought to test the former officer.

“They are saying it’s not a conspiracy, well then I have to say our chief of police, who had 40 years of experience knew nothing, and I don't know why he was getting paid by town of Windsor locks," said Peter Tomalonis, of Windsor Locks.

The police commission says changes will be made to the department.  The first will be to update the antiquated policies and procedures.

“The way the line of command is established at a scene will also be fixed immediately,” said Neal Cunningham, the police commission chairman.

Koistenen was fired in December and now faces manslaughter charges.

His father, Sgt. Robert Koistenen, was found at fault for leaving the scene of a serious crash twice with his son in the backseat of his car.  Sgt. Koistenen is on paid administrative leave.  The police commission says it will weigh the results of the independent review when deciding whether Sgt. Koistenen remains with the department.
 

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