Investigation Into Actions of Troopers in Wethersfield Classified as Criminal

WETHERSFIELD, CT — Wethersfield police on Thursday classified an investigation into the actions of two state troopers in town as a criminal matter.

The two state troopers have been taken off their regular police duties following an incident in Wethersfield, a state police spokesman said on Wednesday night. The troopers were off-duty, state police spokesman Sgt. Eric Haglund said. Wethersfield police are conducting the investigation.

"This investigation is active and ongoing, and as such, further information will be released if and when it becomes available," Wethersfield police spokesman Lt. Andrew Power said.

He said the investigation involves only the two troopers.

"Accountability and transparency are very important to our community. At this time, we have no information that any Wethersfield officers are involved in any type of misconduct," he said.

Haglund said the matter has been referred to the state police Professional Standards Office for review.

The two Troopers, from Tolland-based Troop C and Colchester-based Troop K, have been "administratively reassigned to non-police duties pending the outcome of these investigations," he said.

The troopers were subsequently identified Rupert Laird and Xavier Cruz and the incident as an assault after a Freedom of Information request by NBC Connecticut.

Photo Credit: WPD