Hamden Police Chief Opens Internal Investigation on Fatal Crash

Hamden police have launched an internal investigation into a fatal motorcycle accident Saturday morning that reportedly involved a police chase just moments before.

In a statement issued to the media, Hamden Chief of Police Thomas J. Wydra spoke about the investigation and also apologized to the family of Maurice Adams, the 27-year-old motorcycle operator who crashed and later died following the accident on Dixwell Avenue.

Here's Wydra's full statement:

"I have directed the Hamden Police Department Ethics and Integrity Unit to conduct a comprehensive and thorough internal investigation to determine if any department policies, rules, or regulations were violated by the police personnel who were involved in a brief motor vehicle pursuit with a motorcycle for motor vehicle violations on Dixwell Avenue on August 17th. It is believed that the pursued motorcycle is the same one that was eventually involved in an accident that occurred in the area of Dixwell Avenue and Munson Street in New Haven a short time later, and resulted in the unfortunate death of the operator. I want to offer my sincere condolences and prayers to the family of the victim."

"Critical components of the investigation will be the determination of whether or not the motorcycle was being actively pursued at the time of the accident, whether the pursuit was justified, as well as an examination of the overall actions and conduct of the police personnel throughout the entire incident." I understand that the Connecticut State Police is conducting the motor vehicle accident investigation. The Hamden Police Department will do everything possible to cooperate with that investigation."   

"In an effort to protect the integrity and objectiveness of the internal investigation process, there will be no further comment at this time."

Witnesses at the scene told the New Haven Independent that the operator of a police car who pursued Adams pulled up next to his body after the crash and then sped away from the scene.

While the alleged police chase began in Hamden it carried over into New Haven where the crash took place. State Police spokesman J. Paul Vance told Patch an accident reconstruction team is now reviewing the case.