‘Inexcusable Behavior': Waterbury Police Officer Fired After Interaction With Driver

A Waterbury police officer has been fired after an Internal Affairs investigation into his conduct during an encounter with a citizen while directing traffic last month.

Investigators said Officer James Hinkle was directing traffic at the intersection of Thomaston Avenue and Homer Street on December 13 around 12 p.m. after a mechanical failure with the traffic light.

The traffic lights were in flashing mode as Hinkle directed traffic.

According to police, while directing traffic, a vehicle drove through the intersection. Hinkle told the vehicle to stop, hit the driver's side of the vehicle with his hand and then the vehicle pulled over.

The incident was captured on Hinkle's body camera. Waterbury Police Department has released the footage.

The incident initiated an Internal Affairs investigation to look at Hinkle's actions and conduct with the driver, according to authorities. He was immediately placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo described the interaction as shuttering and completely unacceptable.

“I haven’t seen a case in my 30 years here that’s undermined the public’s trust more than this," he said. "It really rocks you to the core."

In a news conference Tuesday, Spagnolo said the department's officers aren't trained to act in this manner, and police are "continually looking to create and foster good relationships in our community."

The police chief said he was made aware of the incident in mid-December by fellow officers and as a result, a thorough investigation began.

Authorities said Hinkle was fired on Monday as a result of the investigation that determined his conduct, actions and behavior were a violation of departmental policies.

"As a result of the Internal Affairs Investigation, Officer Hinkle was terminated from the Waterbury Police Department. His conduct during this encounter with a citizen of the community is unacceptable and not representative of the men and women serving the Waterbury Police Department," Spagnolo said in part in a statement.

The driver, only identified as a woman from the Greater Waterbury area, was ticketed at the scene, which was later taken back. Spagnolo says he was able to speak to her.

“She’s been very amicable to us. She’s come to the police station and been in my office and told me she recognizes that almost everyone at the Waterbury police has treated her with respect,” he said.

Hinkle is able to file a grievance over his firing, but as of Tuesday evening, the department has not received anything.

Hinkle was in his seventh year with the Waterbury Police Department.