The Fallout From The Accident Is Still Pending

Since the night of the accident in October when 15-year-old Henry Dang was killed, there have been three investigations: one resulting in two arrests by the state police;  an independent one of the Windsor Locks Police Department’s actions; and officials say the state police are continuing its criminal investigation.

Former Windsor Locks police officer Michael Koistinen, 25, of Suffield, is charged with first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, misconduct with a motor vehicle, and attempt to tamper with evidence. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Nov. 23 in Hartford Superior Court.

Robert Koistinen is a Windsor Locks police sergeant and has been on administrative leave with pay since the accident, his annual salary is $73,385. He pleaded not guilty in January to charges he interfered with the investigation of  the Oct. 2010 fatal accident in which his son, Michael, was involved.
 
The Windsor Locks Police Commission fired Michael Koistinen, a probationary officer, on Dec. 8, 2010.

Their next scheduled court appearance is Thursday in the Part A Hartford Judicial District Court. Officials have said that the state police is continuing its investigation surrounding the circumstances surrounding the accident.

As the criminal cases against Michael and Robert Koistinen wind their ways through the court system, the two other aspects are also ongoing.

An independent investigator, Frank Rudewicz has been looking into the actions of the Windsor Locks Police Department following the fatal accident. Initially agreeing to a $32,000 fee, Rudewicz requested additional funds to complete the investigation because it became more involved than initially anticipated, officials said. An April 26 town meeting approved another $8,200.  It is pending.

filed suit against Michael Koistinen, his parents and the former owners of the Suffield Tavern, where Koistinen was alleged to have been drinking before the accident.

 The family also filed notices of intent to sue the town, Police Chief John Suchocki, Robert Koistinen, in his capacity as sergeant, and two other officers who were at the scene on Oct. 30. Family Attorney James D. Bartolini has said the results of the independent investigation will likely have bearing on whether they will follow through with the intents to sue.