State declines to prosecute cop in alleged altercation

State prosecutors have abandoned a criminal case against an Old Saybrook police officer accused of choking a man in a restaurant.

Tyler Schulz, who served as a K-9 officer but was placed on leave following his arrest, appeared in Superior Court in Middletown around midday Tuesday, when the state agreed to nolle the case.

Schulz was accused of pushing a man into a shuffleboard table during a Feb. 27 altercation at an Essex restaurant and grabbing the neck of a second man who tried to intervene, according to the arrest warrant affidavit filed in the case. Witnesses told police Schulz appeared intoxicated at the time, the affidavit said.

He faced one count of second-degree breach of peace. Those involved with the case told the investigating officer they were hesitant to pursue additional charges “due to the potential for retaliation.”

In agreeing to the nolle, State Prosecutor Jeffrey Doskus, who was handling the case, told the court his office tried to reach out to the complainant but had not received a response.

Doskus also had seen documentation indicating Schulz had undergone treatment, he said.

Attorney Robert Britt, who represented Schulz, told the judge the alleged victim did not wish to pursue prosecution.

Schulz, who could not immediately be reached, was placed on administrative leave following his arrest as the department pursued an internal investigation.

“During this time your law enforcement authority is revoked, you are not permitted to wear your Department Uniform or be on the campus of the Department of Police Services,” Chief of Police Michael Spera told Schulz in a letter informing him of the investigation.

“You may not use a Department vehicle but will be able to retain possession of K-9 Chase. The remainder of your equipment must be surrendered today.”

The status of the Old Saybrook Police Department’s internal investigation was not immediately clear Tuesday.

Asked about the internal investigation, Spera said in a written statement that the matter was with the police commission.

The commission authorized the town’s labor counsel to negotiate a resolution with the police union, he said.

Alfred Wilcox, chairman of the police commission, said he could not discuss the case.

The commission must approve disciplinary recommendations beyond a 10day suspension.