Windsor Locks Police Commission Considers Discipline For Sergeant

Members of the Windsor Locks Police Commission Tuesday began deliberating  on a discipline recommendation for Sgt. Robert Koistinen, who’s charged with interfering with the investigation of the October 29, 2010 fatal car accident in which his son, Michael, was allegedly driving.

The commission is considering the recommendation of Capt. Chester DeGray, who is the acting police chief, for disciplining Robert Koistinen, who has been on has been on administrative leave with pay since the accident, his annual salary is $73,385. DeGray’s recommendation has not been publicly released.

Commission chairman Neal Cunningham said the commission would listen to Koistinen’s arguments regarding the discipline in executive session. The commission would then deliberate in executive session and make a public decision at its regular meeting Wednesday.

“We will come up with our response,” Cunningham said. “We normally don’t decide these things in one night.”

Included in the closed session were the commission, Koistinen’s attorneys, Town Attorney Scott Storms, town labor attorney Kevin Deneen, DeGray, and Frank Rudiewicz, an independent investigator whose report on the incident was critical of the department’s handling of the accident.

Fifteen-year-old Henry Dang was killed when he was hit by a car driven by Michael Koistinen, then an off-duty Windsor Locks police officer, who state police allege was drinking for several hours before the accident.

Residents who spoke during the public session of the commission’s meeting all urged that Koistinen be fired.

Peter Tomalonis said the commission should terminate Koistinen’s services because his actions tainted the reputation of the police department, and he failed to serve and protect Henry Dang.

“Sgt. Koistinen took an oath and failed Henry Dang and the people of Windsor Locks,” Tomalonis said.

Tinker Drive resident Kimberly Pease said her son was a friend of Henry Dang’s. When Dang was killed, her son asked what if the officer involved had been drinking. She said she assured him that the accident would be properly investigated.

Pease said it was difficult to explain to her son how the case has been handled and as a fourth-generation town resident she can’t remember a time when she felt abandoned by the police department.

“The right thing was not done that night,” Pease said. “You have a chance to do the right thing. The town of Windsor Locks wants to see Sgt. Koistinen fired, nothing less will heal this town.”

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. After rejecting a plea agreement offer, he is awaiting trial in Hartford Superior Court.

Robert Koistinen pleaded not guilty in January 2011 to charges he interfered with the investigation of  the Oct. 2010 fatal accident in which his son was involved. He also rejected a plea agreement and awaits trial.

Douglas Hamilton said the commission has to think what’s best for the department, the town and themselves as well. Hamilton urged them to fire Koistinen and let the court system handle the rest.

“Do whatever it takes to get this town back to any semblance of whole again,” Hamilton said. “You have an opportunity to make a statement.”

The commission's meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday in .