2 Connecticut troopers charged with kidnapping, assault

Cruz Cruz Photo: Courtesy Of Conn. State Police Photo: Courtesy Of Conn. State Police Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close 2 Connecticut troopers charged with kidnapping, assault 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

WETHERSFIELD >> Two Connecticut state troopers have been arrested and charged with beating a man in Wethersfield while off duty.

Wethersfield police say Xavier Cruz turned himself in Monday night and Rupert Laird surrendered Tuesday. They’re charged with first-degree kidnapping with a firearm, second-degree assault with a firearm and deprivation of rights by force or threat.

Police were alerted to the alleged assault Feb. 18 by a nurse at a hospital where the man was treated.

Court documents say Laird was upset that the man improperly touched a woman Laird knows, and Laird allegedly beat the victim in Cruz’s home while Cruz watched on Feb. 18.

Laird’s lawyer says Laird was motivated by a desire to protect the woman.

State police have suspended Cruz and Laird. Cruz was assigned to Troop K in Colchester and Laird to Troop C in Tolland.

Cruz posted $750,000 bail and Laird is detained on the same bail amount. A judge ordered them placed under house arrest if they post bail.

It wasn’t immediately clear if they have lawyers who could respond to the allegations.