CT Police Release Video of Teen Wrongfully Accused of 132-MPH Speeding on I-91

The Controversial Arrest of a Teenager and the Question of Police Conduct

A video released by Connecticut State Police has brought attention to the alleged wrongful arrest of a 19-year-old teenager, Azmir Djurkovic, who was accused of speeding at 132 mph on Interstate 91 in Cromwell. The incident, which initially made national headlines, has since been removed from the state police news website, raising questions about how the case was handled.

The charges against Djurkovic were ultimately dropped after his attorney pointed out discrepancies between the vehicle that allegedly sped past the police on June 4 and the one the teen was driving. This led to an internal affairs investigation, as Connecticut State Police Col. Daniel Loughman acknowledged that “errors may have been made in the investigation” in a statement issued after the case was dismissed.

Video Reveals Lack of Investigation

In response to a Freedom of Information request, video footage was released showing that the investigating trooper did not attempt to ask Djurkovic for his side of the story. Instead, the trooper immediately asserted that he had seen the teen going more than 130 mph, claiming to have video and license plate reader evidence to support his allegations.

The video also contradicts previous statements from state police, which claimed that Djurkovic admitted he did not stop for the trooper because he was on his way to a job interview. According to the footage, the trooper did not take the time to evaluate the evidence or listen to Djurkovic’s account, which included claims that he was asleep at the time.

Legal Implications and Public Reaction

Djurkovic’s lawyer, Brian Dumeer, stated that the video confirms their initial argument: their client is entirely innocent. Dumeer criticized the officer for failing to conduct a thorough and objective investigation, instead rushing to judgment and ignoring clear inconsistencies.

“The failure to perform even the most basic investigative steps resulted in an innocent man being handcuffed, publicly accused, and having his reputation permanently damaged,” Dumeer said.

The trooper’s body camera footage shows him speaking with Djurkovic’s mother outside the state police barracks. He warned her that if Djurkovic did not turn himself in by 1 p.m., the car’s owner would be charged. When she hesitated, the trooper told her she would be charged with interfering if she didn’t make the call.

After the mother called Djurkovic, who said he had finished his interview and was on his way home, the trooper asked to speak with him. He identified himself as the officer who had pulled him over for speeding and insisted he had evidence to back up his claim.

Further Details from the Body Camera Footage

When Djurkovic arrived at the barracks, the trooper immediately placed him in handcuffs. The trooper then told his mother there were 11 charges against the teen. When asked if there was video of the incident, the trooper confirmed there was and mentioned that license plate reader hits showed Djurkovic’s plate along the highway.

He also claimed that another family member had confirmed Djurkovic was driving the car. The trooper added that the pair could go the route of police seizing the car and getting a search warrant, which would show that the GPS on the vehicle passed the trooper at the exact time and place where the reckless motorist was spotted.

Ongoing Investigations and Potential Legal Action

Despite the dismissal of charges, the trooper’s actions have sparked further scrutiny. A spokesperson for Connecticut State Police deferred to Col. Loughman’s earlier statement, while a representative for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection did not immediately provide updates on the internal investigation or the trooper’s employment status.

Dumeer’s office also revealed that a civil suit is being explored in relation to the arrest. This ongoing legal battle highlights the importance of due process and the need for law enforcement to follow proper procedures when making arrests.

Conclusion

The case of Azmir Djurkovic raises critical questions about the responsibilities of law enforcement and the potential consequences of rushed judgments. As the internal investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether the trooper will face any disciplinary action. For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and the need to protect the rights of individuals, even in high-profile cases.