Copyright 2006 The Hartford Courant Company
MONICA POLANCO; Courant Staff Writer Courant Staff Writer Christine Dempsey contributed to this story.
Copyright 2006 The Hartford Courant Company
EAST WINDSOR -- A police officer who injured another officer with a stun gun was arrested Wednesday after being put on paid administrative leave Monday.
Officer John Scavotto was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree assault, Police Chief Edward DeMarco said Wednesday night.
Scavotto was released on a $2,500 non-surety bond. The 18-year veteran is scheduled to be arraigned today in Superior Court in Enfield. He remains on paid administrative leave.
Commenting on the incident, DeMarco said: ``I will use the terms `negligently’ and `recklessly’ discharged, which is in direct opposition to our training and clearly established procedures.’'
DeMarco said he would release the name of the injured officer today. The officer is expected to be out of work until at least Monday.
Scavotto and the officer were in a roll call room at the police department Monday when Scavotto’s stun gun, or Taser, discharged about 4:15 p.m., DeMarco said. The incident happened after roll call, as the officers were testing their equipment and preparing for their patrol shifts, DeMarco said.
Two darts designed to deliver an electrical impulse were discharged. One of the darts struck the officer in the mouth and lodged in his gums, DeMarco said. The other dart struck a communications cord near his neck.
Paramedics, who are stationed in the building, were called, and the injured officer was taken to Hartford Hospital, where he was treated and released.
``He’s recovering OK,’' Sgt. Michael Hannaford said. ``I’m sure he still has got discomfort in the area where he was struck.’'
DeMarco said Scavotto has been relieved of his duties pending the results of internal and criminal investigations. The internal investigation is expected to be completed soon and the results will be sent to the police commission.
DeMarco said earlier Wednesday that ``this is an isolated incident that should not speak about the other police officers in this building that operate daily in a very safe and professional manner, providing public safety services to the entire town.’'
May 11, 2006