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Judge Dismisses Charges Against Officers in Paralyzed Man Case

2/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Connecticut judge dismissed criminal charges against three New Haven police officers accused of mistreating Richard “Randy” Cox, who was paralyzed in a 2022 police van incident.
Judge David Zagaja granted a probation program, saying the officers' conduct was not malicious.
The decision drew civil rights outrage and led to reforms, including a statewide seat belt requirement for prisoners, and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker disagreed with the ruling.

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Story summary

The Connecticut judge dismissed criminal charges against three New Haven police officers accused of mistreating Richard “Randy” Cox, who was paralyzed in a 2022 police van incident.
Judge David Zagaja granted a probation program, saying the officers' conduct was not malicious.
The decision drew civil rights outrage and led to reforms, including a statewide seat belt requirement for prisoners, and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker disagreed with the ruling.