Politics & Government

Windsor Locks Police Commission OKs Negotiating Settlement With Sergeant on Administrative Leave

Commission authorizes attorney to negotiate a heart and hypertension case settlement with Sgt. Robert Koistinen.

The Windsor Locks Police Commission Wednesday authorized an attorney to negotiate a settlement for a heart and hypertension claim with a sergeant who is currently on administrative leave.

Sgt. Robert Koistinen has been on administrative leave with pay since an October accident in which his son, Michael, is charged with striking and killing a 15-year-old with his car. Robert Koistinen, whose annual salary is $73,385, pleaded not guilty in January to charges he interfered with the investigation of  the Oct. 2010 fatal accident.

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.

The police commission fired Michael Koistinen, a probationary officer, on Dec. 8, 2010.

Jim Pomeranz, the attorney representing the town in Robert Koistinen’s heart and hypertension case, said the accident has no bearing on this case. Koistinen filed his claim in 2005.

Pomeranz said Koistinen has qualified under the heart and hypertension rules, the only question is to the extent of his claim.

The commission Wednesday authorized Pomeranz to investigate a possible settlement in the case. Pomeranz said Koistinen’s side is willing to compromise rather than go to court on the matter.

The commission is also waiting for the results of an independent investigation of officials’ actions concerning the October accident.

An independent investigator, 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.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here