Darien Officers Receive Final Discipline in Alleged Gun Firing Incident

DARIEN, CT- Two Darien Police officers who were suspended and arrested after an alleged Darien gun firing incident received their final discipline from the Police Commission Monday.

Officers Daniel Ehret and James Martin eached received suspensions of 60 days, conditions on their work for 60 days, and restrictions on promotions and special assignments for two years.

They will also face potential termination without the ability to appeal if they violate the department’s general orders within the next five years.

State Police conducted the investigation into the officers’ alleged behavior. They were arrested in October.

Both are Darien residents. An unoccupied vehicle owned by Martin, 41, was found with several gunshots to the exterior, according to State Police. Each officer was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree breach of peace and unlawful discharge of a firearm. Both have 10 years with the force.

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Both men have pleaded not guilty to all charges and their cases are currently in the pre-trial phase, according to court records. They are due in court at the end of the month.

The Police Union and officers reached an agreement with the commission on the disciplinary action. Originally hearings were to be held Monday and Thursday.

Both officers fully cooperated with the internal affairs investigation, said Police Chief Duane Lovello.

Suspensions will be retroactive and the officers will have to reimburse the town for 60 days of pay and benefits while they were on administrative leave. They have been on administrative leave since August 1, 2015.

“The Police Commission thinks that this is an effective resolution for the officers, the Department, and the Town,” said Police Commission Chairman Paul Johnson. “The incident was thoroughly investigated and this settlement balances the gravity of the situation against the officers’ years of laudable service.”