Thea Digiammerino

Protesters Continue Call for Hamden Officer's Firing

On Wednesday night protesters brought their frustrations and anger to the Hamden Police Commission meeting. Dozens spoke and demanded that Officer Devin Eaton lose his job now.

Earlier this month Eaton pleaded not guilty to assault and reckless endangerment charges. The 29-year-old told investigators he believed his life was in danger when he fired 13 times at Stephanie Washington and Paul Witherspoon. The car the two were in had been reported in connection with an attempted robbery, but both were unarmed. Washington was wounded in the shooting.

"We are still healing," said one protester. "Seven months later we are still healing. We are still fighting for Stephanie and Paul."

Some who spoke Wednesday night say they don't feel safe and believe the commission is stalling. But officials say that is not the case.

"We stick with the facts of the actual case. It's due process, just like anyone else in America. The officer has due process," said Hamden Acting Chief John Cappiello.

Cappiello has until November 20 to present charges to the police commission. If they are presented, the commission has to schedule hearings between seven and thirty days. But officials say it's important to them that the public is heard.

"We respect what they're saying. We understand it, and we want to do the right thing," said Hamden Police Commission Chairman Michael Iezzi.

Eaton remains on unpaid leave.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for December.

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