[Update] Michael Koistinen Trial Begins In Hartford Superior Court

Updated at 4:15 p.m.

Jury selection began today in Hartford Superior Court for a former Windsor Locks police officer charged in a involving a teenage boy in 2010.

Michael Koistinen, 25, a probationary officer with the police department, is accused of striking 15-year-old Henry Dang with his car as the teen rode his bicycle at the intersection of Spring and West streets on Oct. 29, 2010.

Judge Julia Dewey said the evidence portion of the trial will begin on June 19 and until about June 29.

The case is being prosecuted by State’s Attorney Gail Hardy and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney John Fahey. Koistinen is being represented by Simsbury Attorney Raymond Hassett.

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From a pool of 50 potential jurors, 23 people were excused because of scheduling conflicts or knowing a possible witness, by 11:30 a.m. A 24th juror, a woman, was excused by the defense after undergoing voir dire or questioning by attorneys.

As of 4 p.m. two jurors had been chosen. The jury will six members.

A Suffield resident, Koistinen was off-duty and had allegedly been drinking heavily at the Suffield Inn shortly before the midnight accident. He is charged with first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, misconduct with a motor vehicle, and attempting to tamper with evidence. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Nov. 23, 2010.

His father, longtime Sgt. Robert Koistinen, is accused of interfering with the investigation, after allegedly twice leaving the scene of the accident with his son to return to the police station. He pleaded not guilty in January 2011.

Both Koistinens rejected in the case.