Firing Of Hamden Cop Recommended For Shooting In New Haven

HAMDEN, CT — Acting Hamden Police Chief John Cappiello is recommending that Officer Devin Eaton be fired in connection to a shooting in New Haven earlier this year that injured a 22-year-old woman and sparked protests in both municipalities.

Cappiello has “preferred departmental charges against Officer Devin Eaton and has recommended that the Hamden Board of Police Commissioners terminate his employment,” Capt. Ronald Smith announced Tuesday afternoon. The charges and recommendation stem from Eaton’s actions on April 16 when he fired 13 shots at an unarmed couple in New Haven.

Eaton, who is currently on unpaid administrative leave and will remain so until the resolution of the case, has also been charged criminally in connection with the incident. He was charged last month by Connecticut State Police with first-degree assault and two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment. He was released on a $100,000 bond and has pleaded not guilty.

See also:

• Hamden Officer 'Recklessly' Created Risk Of Death In Shooting: State's Attorney
• Protesters ‘Disrupt’ Mayor’s Neighborhood In Hamden

Smith said the departmental charges were issued Nov. 15 and served personally to Eaton on Saturday, Nov. 16. The charges were conveyed to the Board of Police Commissioners, with a letter that was delivered Tuesday, Nov. 19, to Chairman Michael Iezzi, according to Smith. See the letter below: