Family of New Britain woman struck and killed by officer files lawsuit

NEW BRITAIN, CT (WFSB) - The City of New Britain and one of its police officers face a lawsuit for their alleged roles in the death of a mother of four who was struck by a police cruiser in September.

Channel 3 spoke to the attorney for Katherine Colon’s family.

Earlier this month, the state’s attorney released a report that placed blame on both Colon and Officer Connor Reinsch.

With the new lawsuit, Colon’s family sought more accountability.

The 1232-page report released on March 3 detailed that around 1 a.m. on West Main Street, Reinsch was responding to a burglary call while driving at 60 mph in a 25pmh zone without his lights or sirens on when he struck Colon, who was crossing the street.

However, the report also claimed Colon placed herself in unnecessary danger for wearing dark clothing and failing to use a crosswalk. It also said she was under the influence of drugs.

While the officer was responding to a “code 2″ call that doesn’t require lights and sirens, state law stated that all officers must always drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property.

The filing of this lawsuit comes just days before the 6-month mark of Colon’s death.

Her family, including her four children, held a vigil and rally calling for accountability earlier this month.

“It makes me sick to know that we still have officers who are speeding down these streets without their lights on and who could potentially kill another individual,” said Maribel Rodriguez, Colon’s daughter.

Channel 3 reached out to the City of New Britain for comment. However, it said it will not speak on pending litigation.

According to a spokesperson for the city, Reinsch is still an officer at the New Britain Police Department. As of Wednesday, he remained on restricted duty.