The Connecticut cop is fired after he was filmed berating a sobbing woman in an SUV plowing through an intersection he occupied – and accused her of trying to run him over
- James Hinkle has been fired from Waterbury PD after he was filmed swearing at a woman who drove past him in an SUV while he was directing traffic
- Hinkle had motioned for the woman to stop and slapped her car as it passed him, cursing her to stop
- The woman was startled by the angry officer and as she broke down crying and apologetic, he accused her of trying to run him over a week before Christmas
- An internal investigation found Hinkle’s actions violated department policies, and the police chief criticized this as a breach of public trust
A Connecticut police officer was fired after cameras caught him swearing at a woman driving past an intersection he occupied, claiming she almost hit him.
Dashboard and bodycams captured the moment James Hinkle, a former member of the Waterbury Police Department, directed traffic at the intersection of Thomaston Avenue and Homer Street on December 13.
As the officer signals the cars to cross west, an unnamed woman driving east in an SUV drives past the officer who had signaled her to stop.
The officer shoves forward and slams into their car as it drives by, yelling, “Stop that damn car.” He then walks behind the car that has stopped across the street.
Hinkle yells for the woman to stop at a nearby parking lot while she tries to apologize to him and bursts into tears.
Hinkle interrupts her as he yells, “Sorry, this doesn’t break. Explain to my kids why they don’t have a father a week before Christmas because you’re trying to run over someone.
James Hinkle has been fired from the Waterbury Police Department after he was filmed swearing at a woman in an SUV who drove past him while he was directing traffic
Hinkle had asked the woman to stop and hit her car as it passed him. He berated the woman and accused her of trying to run over him a week before Christmas
During the nearly 10-minute video, the driver could be heard crying as she repeatedly apologized for driving past the officer and insisted she hadn’t tried to hit him.
However, Hinkle left his post directing traffic to berate her for ignoring the flashing lights and his presence on the road.
“That’s a bright yellow jacket in the middle of the street,” Hinkle called, pointing to his uniform. ,What you do not understand?’
“I’ve got two kids at home waiting for me to come home tonight,” Hinkle called out. “You’re lucky you’re not handcuffed right away.”
Hinkle also yells the woman’s explanation to another responding officer, and when the other officer asks him if he is hurt, Hinkle answers. ‘Emotionally.’
Waterbury Police said an internal affairs inquiry found his conduct, actions and behavior were in breach of department guidelines.
Police Commissioner Fernando Spagnolo said: “His conduct during this encounter with a citizen of the community is unacceptable and unrepresentative of the men and women who serve at the Waterbury Police Department.
“I have not seen a case in my 30 years here that has eroded public confidence more than this one,” he told reporters Tuesday after Hinkle’s release. “It really rocks you to the core.”
The driver of the car cried as she apologized for drying past Hinkle and said she didn’t try to hit him. Hinkle interrupted her and continued yelling at her
Police determined that Hinkle’s actions violated department policies
Hinkle was a member of the patrol department and had been placed on administrative leave before being fired Monday.
He has been with the department for seven years and is allowed to file a grievance over his termination, NBC CT reported.
The department’s union said in a statement that it was reviewing the case.
“The Waterbury Police Union is aware that Officer Hinkle was fired on 01/09/2023 and is currently reviewing the internal affairs report and videos of the incident with our counsel.
“The union will ensure that Officer Hinkle has all due process rights in the collective agreement.”