Statement of U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery on the injuries suffered by Richard “Randy” Cox while in New Haven Police custody on June 19, 2022

“My office is closely monitoring the ongoing investigations into the circumstances that have left Mr. Randy Cox paralyzed and hospitalized after being taken into custody by the New Haven Police Department on June 19.  My prayers are with him and his family.  All suspects taken into police custody must be afforded timely and appropriate medical care in the event of an emergency.  Mayor Elicker and Chief Jacobson have acted expeditiously and reported publicly on some actions already taken at the local level in response to this incident, including the suspension of several officers involved pending further investigation, and they have stated a commitment to reform NHPD practices.  The Connecticut State Police are investigating the matter, and we will continue to coordinate with them and our other law enforcement partners at the state and federal levels.  If federal action is warranted, the Justice Department will pursue every available avenue to the full extent of the law.”