Community Corner
Accused Officer Evan Cossette Testifies in Alleged Brutality Trial
During the federal trial on Friday, the son of the Meriden police chief said he didn't intend to hurt a prisoner during a 2010 detainment and he was surprised the suspect fell after he pushed him.
The Meriden police officer accused of using unnecessary force during an arrest testified at his own trial in federal court on Friday that he did not intend to hurt an inmate who fell backwards after being pushed.
Evan Cossette also testified that he was surprised the suspect, Pedro Temich, fell down after Cossette shoved him in a holding cell in May 2010, The Hartford Courant reported Friday.
The exchange was caught on a police surveillance video and became the focus of a federal investigation, Cossette's arrest and the trial that began earlier this week. Temich sustained a gash on his head because he struck a concrete block, causing him to bleed.
Cossette faces charges of using unnecessary force against a prisoner and lying about his actions during an investigation. He faces 20 years in prison if convicted and a $250,000 fine.
The Courant further reported that Cossette testified he was leading Temich, who was drunk and was arrested in connection with an alleged hit-and-run crash, to the holding cell when Temich spun around in which the officer and suspect were facing each other.
The Record-Journal reported that Cossette testified he thought Temich was about to strike him with a head-butt, when he pushed the man.
The federal government rested its case earlier this week and jury deliberations are expected to begin on Monday.
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