Equal Protection Under the Law Update

On 2 January 2014, I commented on an incident in which an experienced veteran Bridgeport detective discharged a firearm in a crowded bagel shop on 17 December 2013.  At that point, I questioned why an arrest had not occurred in the two week interim.  It was obvious what happened and why.  

http://montville-ct.patch.com/groups/howards-blog/p/equal-protection-under-the-law-ha

A civilian would have immediately been arrested, charged with unlawful discharge and reckless endangerment, his permit would have been immediately revoked, and firearms seized.  In fact, a Bridgeport man who accidentally fired his gun in his home in late January was immediately arrested and charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, second-degree reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief in the third degree.  This citizen had to post a $1500 bond.

The detective was not charged until 11 February 2014 and only with unlawful discharge.  The reckless endangerment charge was not brought.  The detective did not have to post bond. 

Why the delay?  Why not more charges?  Why no bond? 

Unlawful discharge of a firearm is covered by Section 53-203 of the state statutes, which reads: "Any person who intentionally, negligently or carelessly discharges any firearm in such a manner as to be likely to cause bodily injury or death to persons or domestic animals or the wanton destruction of property shall be fined not more than $250 or imprisoned not more than three months, or both." 

Additionally, the law for reckless endangerment in the second degree, which is State Statute 53a-64, reads, "A person is guilty of reckless endangerment in the second degree when he recklessly engages in conduct which creates a risk of physical injury to another person."  Conviction under this misdemeanor charge carries a maximum six-month prison term, $1,000 fine or both. 

The detective turned himself in at the Bethany State Police Barracks on 10 February 2014. He was released on a promise to appear in court 18 February in Superior Court in Bridgeport. 

According to court records, the detective has appeared in the Bridgeport Superior Court on three occasions with the next appearance scheduled for 2 May 2014. 

He remains on the job, but is assigned to desk duty. 

Much is made of equal protection of citizens under law.  Apparently, law enforcement personnel are something other than citizens because they seem privileged in the view of the law.