NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The New Haven Police Commission voted Wednesday night to terminate two police officers, who were involved in the Randy Cox case.

Last June, Cox was paralyzed after he was injured in the back of a police transport van that did not have seatbelts.

New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson recommended the termination of all five officers involved in the case.

The New Haven Police Commission terminated both Officer Luis Rivera and Officer Jocelyn Lavandier. According to officials, four commissioners voted in favor, zero were opposed and two abstained.

Four officers have been on administrative leave pending an internal police investigation.

Officer Ronald Pressley was excluded from the termination, as he retired in January and therefore cannot be terminated.

All five pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor second-degree reckless endangerment and cruelty to person(s).

New Haven police release additional video in Richard ‘Randy’ Cox case

The New Haven Police Commission will discuss the recommendations to terminate Sgt. Betsy Segui and Officer Oscar Diaz on June 28 in a special counsel meeting.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker released the following statement after the officers’ termination:

“What happened to Randy Cox was unacceptable and the Board of Police Commissioners’ vote to accept Chief Jacobson’s recommendations to terminate these officers was the right one.

When an individual enters the custody of the New Haven Police Department, there is an obligation to treat them with dignity and respect and in a manner that ensures their safety and well-being. In my judgement, the actions of these officers fell far short of that obligation, and they do not reflect the high standards to which I know our police officers hold themselves to everyday as they put their lives on the line to protect and serve our residents and keep our community safe.

From day one, Chief Jacobson and I promised accountability, transparency and action. Tonight’s vote is another important step in making good on that promise on behalf of the Cox family, the New Haven community and for the integrity of the New Haven Police Department, as we all collectively work to ensure an incident like this never happens again.”

The video above appeared in our 10 p.m. newscast on June 7, 2023.