Press Releases
08/04/2020
Former New Haven Police Officer Charged with Assault and Breach of Peace
A former New Haven police officer was arrested today and charged with assault and breach of peace as a result of a use-of-force investigation. The arrest warrant was issued by a Superior Court judge based on an investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice.
Jason Santiago, age 33, was arrested by Inspectors from the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney on a warrant charging him with Assault in the Third Degree and Breach of Peace in the Second Degree, for a December 25, 2019 incident in New Haven.
An arrest warrant affidavit states that on that date, members of the New Haven Police Department, including Santiago, were attempting to take a suspect into custody who was resisting arrest. The alleged use of force occurred after the suspect was placed under arrest and handcuffed.
“This criminal matter was thoroughly investigated by the Division of Criminal Justice,” Chief State’s Attorney Richard J. Colangelo, Jr., said. “The DCJ found that Mr. Santiago’s actions merit his arrest and prosecution. This officer’s actions, once the suspect was in custody, exceeded his authority and were in violation of his training and Connecticut law.”
Santiago was released on a promise to appear in New Haven Superior Court, G.A. No. 23, on September 9, 2020. The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.
The charges are merely accusations and Santiago is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Assault in the Third Degree is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,000. Breach of Peace in the Second Degree is a class B misdemeanorpunishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.