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Conn. ex-officer rejects plea deal in teen's death

November 18, 2011

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HARTFORD, Conn.—A former Windsor Locks police officer charged with manslaughter for an off-duty car accident that killed a 15-year-old boy has rejected a plea deal and intends to go to trial.

Michael Koistinen (KOY'-stih-nen) turned down an undisclosed offer by prosecutors Friday in Hartford Superior Court.

State police say Koistinen was driving more than 70 miles per hour in a 35 zone in October 2010 when he struck Henry Dang, who was riding his bike late at night in Windsor Locks. Authorities say Koistinen had been drinking alcohol before the crash, but his blood-alcohol level wasn't tested and he wasn't charged with drunken driving.

The 25-year-old Koistinen was fired last December. His father, Windsor Locks police Sgt. Robert Koistinen, was charged with hindering the investigation and rejected a plea deal Thursday.