The Board of Police Commissioners in New Haven, Connecticut, voted to fire an officer who assaulted a man in custody.
An internal report said Officer Jason Santiago kicked the man, grabbed him by his hair and punched him after the man spit on his face. The incident took place on Christmas morning in 2019 and was captured on body camera.
Santiago said he regretted the decision but did not deserve to be fired.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said Santiago’s actions undermined police who pride themselves on good relations with the community.
