The Latest: Officer’s lawyer says arrest is chilling message

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Latest on the arrest of a Connecticut officer who shot and wounded a 22-year-old woman in April (all times local):

4:20 p.m.

The lawyer for a Connecticut police officer who shot and wounded an unarmed woman in April says his client’s arrest is sending a distressing message to the law enforcement community.

Attorney Gregory Cerritelli says the arrest of Hamden officer Devin Eaton on Monday puts even more pressure on police to not make any mistakes, even when they’re forced to make split-second decisions like Eaton was.

Cerritelli says Eaton and fellow law enforcement officers are distraught over the arrest.

A state prosecutor said Monday that Eaton was not justified when he fired 13 shots at an unarmed couple’s car in New Haven. Eaton told police the driver got out of the car abruptly and looked like he had a gun.

Twenty-two-year-old Stephanie Washington suffered a fractured pelvis and spine.

____

11:14 a.m.

A Connecticut police officer who opened fire on an unarmed couple’s car and wounded a 22-year-old woman has been charged with felony assault and reckless endangerment.

A state prosecutor on Monday announced the charges against Hamden officer Devin Eaton, who authorities say fired his handgun 13 times at the car while investigating a reported robbery.

Authorities said Eaton and a Yale University officer opened fire in New Haven on April 16 when the driver, Paul Witherspoon III, got out of the car abruptly. Witherspoon’s girlfriend, Stephanie Washington, was wounded but recovered.

Messages were left for Eaton and his attorney.

Officials say Eaton posted $100,000 bail and was ordered to appear in court Oct. 28.

New Haven State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin determined charges were warranted after an investigation.