Bridgeport cop: troopers 'kidnapped' his grandson

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP/WTNH) — A Bridgeport police sergeant claims state troopers "kidnapped" his 3-year-old grandson last week in a misguided effort to resolve a custody dispute.

The Connecticut Post reports that Sgt. John Devone sent letters to the governors of Connecticut and Georgia questioning the actions of state police and a Georgia judge.

Troopers seized the boy from a Bridgeport home March 12 and returned him to his mother, based on court orders from her home state of Georgia by a Cobb County judge. Troopers first raided Devone's Bridgeport home before finding the boy at another location.

Devone claims Georgia's child custody orders were based on lies told by the boy's mother.

State police say they acted appropriately.

Devone's son, John Devone, was charged with custodial interference and faces possible extradition to Georgia.

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch released the following statement in regards to the status of Sgt. Devone:

"Sgt. John Devone has been placed effective immediately on administrative leave pending charges. An internal investigation was begun immediately. I have also referred the matter to the Office of Internal Affairs for an independent investigation."

"However, as the investigation is still underway, formal charges have not yet been made. The Police Department is taking proactive measures to deal with this issue because this is of such high importance to the community and its trust in the department."

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Information from: Connecticut Post