New Britain herald., 1928-12-12
DISMISS SANTUCC|
 FROM POLICE FORCE
Board Decides He Was Drunk
 While Driving Auto

The board of police commissioners voted unanimously last night to dis miss Officer Vincenzo Santucci from the department, finding him guilty of the charge of conduct unbecom- ing an officer. He was arrested Sun- day, December ?. on Kelsey street. on the charge of operating an auto mobile while under the influence of liquor, and in police court December 6 he was fined $10O and costs and given a suspended jail sentence of 10 days by Judge NJ. D. Sake. Through Attorney s. Gerard Casale, he ap- pealed the decision to superior court.
 Lieutenant Samuel Bamforth, Sergeant J. C. Stadler and Officer Harper testified that Santucci was under the influence of liquor short time after his car struck two parked cars opposite the home ot Sergeant Stadler. The latter testi- fled tbat he had received informa- tion recently that prior to the double collision. the officers car had struck a car near the smith school and he had turned off the lights and sped away, but the board ruled this testimony inadmissible on account of it's being hearsay.
 Denies Being Drunk
 Santucci admitted that he drank wine prior 10 the accident, but he denied being under the influence. His testimony was so contradictory to that of the witnesses that the commissioners asked him If he meant 10 brand the others as liars. Commissioner Parker told him he did not believe his story that motorist coming towards him caused him to pull to the left and strike the parked cars. If there was an- other fellow coming up as you say, he must be dead by now" the conl- missioner remarked, and Commas sioner Tomikowski told Santucci he did not know what he was thinking of to come before the board and contradict everyone else.
 htDukcu ny ISdIudu
 At one point during the hearing, Santucci undertook to answer a question from Chairman Bannan by firing one back. but the chairman warned him against such tactics. You answer my questions: don't in- terrogate me-" he told him. San tucci, denied. as he did in court that he had admitted 10 Sergeant Stadler that he was guilty Asked as to the procedure followed to bring a physician to the police sta ton to examine him following his arrest Santucci said he had asked for the examination, but few sec onds later he said it was Lieutenant Bamforth who had called the phy- sician. In other instances. also, he contradicted himself.
 Commissioner Parker moved to defer action until the next meeting. after all the testimony was in. but Commissioner Morton favored inn mediate action. "Why beat about the bush? We've got everything fresh in mind. I know I'm all set after hearing such testimony" he said, visibly nettled. Commissioner Park CT was agreeable 10 the suggestion and Chairman Bannan suggested that an executive session be held. which was done. A few minutes later the open meeting was resumed and the chairman announced the de- cision. Santucci was not in the building, having left at the conclu- sion Q: the hearing. and Clerk Me- Grail was instructed to notify him by mail. Santucci has been a regu- lar policeman since 1925.
 GigliOtti Fined Two Days Pay
 Supernumerary Officer Giuseppe Gigliotti was fined two days pay on the charge of neglect of duty. He was given hearing by the discipline