Community Corner

No Charges for New Canaan Lieutenant Allegedly Involved in Fight

State's Attorney David Cohen announced Tuesday no charges would be filed by the office against New Canaan Police Lt. Fred Pickering, who was accused of being involved in a physical altercation in which racial slurs were used by members Pickering was with in February of this year.  

The incident in question occurred at New Canaan's Tequila Mockingbird on Forest Street on February 23, 2013, at approximately 11 p.m.

"After a thorough review of all the evidence presented, I have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any specific person has committed a crime," Cohen said in a release distributed by Chief Edward Nadriczny Tuesday. 

Pickering was involved in a fight at the bar and one of the members of a group Pickering was with was accused of using racial slurs during the altercation. Pickering was off-duty at the time. New Canaan police also conducted their own criminal and Internal Affairs investigations into the incident.

Pickering was placed on administrative leave following the fight. There has been no word on whether Pickering will be reinstated to active duty. 


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