8/14/2019 Letter to Chief Lewis 6-3-09

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June 3, 2009

VIA FACSIMILE (946-7294)

AND FIRST CLASS MAIL

Chief James M. Lewis

New Haven Police Department

One Union Avenue

New Haven Ct. 06519

Re: FELIPE CORDERO III

Dear Chief Lewis,

I have been retained to represent Fire Department Lieutenant Felipe Cordero III.

On April 1, 2009, Lt. Cordero and several other firefighters were dispatched from the

Lombard Street firehouse to Ferry and Dover Streets in Fair Haven in response to a 911 call

reporting an unresponsive female who had possibly overdosed. While he was on the scene of that

medical emergency, he was forcibly detained and hand-cuffed by New Haven Police Officer

Newton Anderson. Based on my clients own report and those of numerous witnesses, it seems

clear that Officer Anderson was totally out of control and also put the female subject of the call at

risk. He also acted in clear violation ofConn. Gen. Stat. 7-313e, which clearly states that the Fire

Department, notthe Police Department, is in charge of medical emergencies. My understanding is

that the Police Department is conducting some type of official investigation of this incident.

Given that it has now been more than two monthssince the incident, I am requesting that you

provide me with a status report on your investigation. In particular, I would like to know if the

Police Department has determined whether any administrative charges will be brought against

Officer Anderson and, if so, what departmental charges he will be facing.

Moreover, based on my understanding of what occurred, I believe there is probable cause to

believe that Officer Anderson committed a number of criminal offenses, including assault in the

third degree, interfering with an officer, unlawful restraint in the second degree, disorderly conduct,

and breach of peace. There may be other criminal violations as well. I am also writing to make clear

to you that my client does want this matter prosecuted in the criminal courts. If you need any

further statements from Lt. Cordero, including any type of sworn complaint, please let me know the

name of the police officer who is assigned to the criminal investigation and I will make the necessary

arrangements with that officer to take a statement from my client.

8/14/2019 Letter to Chief Lewis 6-3-09

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