UPDATED 3:00PM- The entire incident was properly documented according to a conversation I had by phone with Detective Pillai. The breakdown, from what sources have told me is the failure of the supervisor to properly document the incident and review the body cam footage, that is where the problem began. When the video came to light , HPD command staff felt it was best to go to an outside agency to review the matter and remove any suspicion or conflict of interest
FROM THE HARTFORD POLICE UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE REPORT:
On 5/22/19 at approximately 1309 hours, Detectives from the Vice & Narcotics division were conducting a narcotics investigation and warrant operation. The investigation led detectives to 577 Prospect Avenue, West Hartford.
As officers attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop to effect an arrest, the suspect for the investigation, intentionally rammed into a police vehicle, eluding and evading the police stop. The suspect vehicle then fled from the rear parking lot, intentionally ramming into a surveillance vehicle being operated by a V&N Detective.
Upon impact, the airbags deployed trapping the officer within the vehicle. A 10-0 was radio broadcast, with numerous units responding from all divisions, including Officers and medical providers from West Hartford. Due to the disabling damage, the suspect vehicle came to a stop on scene.
NOTE: a "10-0" IS HPD RADIO CODE FOR OFFICER IN TROUBLE, NEEDS ASSISTANCE AND REQUIRES A MANDATORY RESPONSE FROM ALL AVAILABLE OPFFICERS
Apparently, the May 22, 2019 incident and the alleged assault of the suspect was not reported until it was uncovered by a high level supervisor reviewing HPD Use of Force Report that the body cam footage had not been reviewed or preserved in compliance with the required review after the departments Use of Force Policy. According to several HPD sources. During that review it allegedly shows Detective Abish Pillai striking the suspect in the head after the suspect was handcuffed and under arrest. Pillai can apparently be seen on the body cam footage striking the suspect in the head with the bottom of his department issued portable radio.
Sadly, several HPD Officer's referred to Pillai as a "good , good, guy" one Officer stated Pillai "is one of our best detectives' and the accusation "is totally out of character" for him and that he is usually totally in control and a calm demeanor.
It is unfortunate that this incident has the possibility of ending with Criminal charges and HPD losing one of their best detectives. Adrenaline is a terrible thing once it gets flowing, but so is assaulting a handcuffed suspect) i also points to several problem areas that aren't unique to HPD.
Where were the other Officer's at the scene? No one else witnessed this alleged assault, even the officer whose body cam captured the footage. (and there may be more than one recording) Where was the supervisor who signed off on the Use of Force report and why did they not comply with the Use of Force policy to retain and review any body cam footage. Will there be any one held accountable for these failures.
2 comments:
Not saying anything would have prevented these rogue actions, but is the Mayor ever going to hold Thody accountable for the department’s black eyes over the course of the last few months. We are becoming a statewide, and possibly a national embarrassment. Notice all these things happen after Rosado leaves and Thody takes charge. Our once great PD is circling the drain..... Spell, now Pillai. No one is safe. Even all of Billy Rea’s lawyer experience won’t save Pillai now. Should have kept him in civil litigation and put a real street cop in the VIN commander’s spot. And no... I don’t mean Vinni. He should command the Dunkin on Franklin Ave.
I think it makes a big difference if the antenna end of walkie talkie was used to punish the perp or the butt end. If it was the antenna end -- that's no worse than the teacher giving you a rap with the blackboard pointer or a ruler. If it is the butt end, that's flat out abuse. Frankly, body cams should be turned off when a suspect is in handcuffs. They got him. After all this guy tried to ram officers and kill them. They don't need to treat him with kid gloves. He was crusin' for a bruisin'.
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