Off-Duty Gunplay Lands Conn. Officers in Hot Water

April 6, 2012
New Haven officers involved in off-duty gunfire outside a State Street bar last weekend surrendered today on arrest warrants.

April 06--NEW HAVEN -- City police officers involved in off-duty gunfire outside a State Street bar last weekend surrendered today on arrest warrants.

New Haven police secured warrants Thursday evening charging Officers Lawrence Burns and Charles Kim with unlawful discharge of a firearm, first-degree reckless endangerment and interfering with police.

They were the two officers who allegedly, after a night out at a bar, fired their guns at the corner of State and Clark streets outside Christopher Martin's bar and restaurant.

Krzystof Ruszczyk, a third officer who was present but didn't fire his gun, was charged with interfering with police.

The incident happened Sunday morning shortly after bar closing time.

Police were called to the corner at about 2:30 p.m. on the report of gunfire. When on-duty officers arrived, witnesses pointed them towards three off-duty officers.

Based on initial accounts, investigators believe the two officers fired into the air, not at someone, but authorities stressed that the evidence would lead investigators where it did.

The three officers were placed on an administrative leave Sunday and were ordered to surrender their weapons, badges and work identification cards.

According to police, investigators secured arrest warrants Thursday evening.

Informed of the warrants, the three surrendered themselves to Internal Affairs today and were released on written promises to appear in court.

Copyright 2012 - New Haven Register, Conn.

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