Milford Police Officer Fired After Crashing Into Home, Fleeing Scene, Lying to Police

MILFORD — The Milford Board of Police Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to terminate a 10-year veteran of the police department who crashed into a home while off duty, fled the scene, and then lied to investigators about his involvement.

Officer Michael Brennan, 41, of Milford, was fired after an Internal Affairs investigation determined he was not truthful about his role in the February 28 crash on New Haven Avenue.

According to police, officers responded to a report of a car that had crashed into the front porch of a home and witnessed two men running from the scene. Brennan, who was off duty at the time, was one of those men.

Brennan initially told police he was a passenger in the vehicle. Days later, he admitted he was actually the driver.

Officers reported Brennan's conflicting statements to Chief Keith Mello, and the department launched both a criminal investigation through the Detective Division and a separate administrative investigation through the Internal Affairs Unit.

On March 14, Brennan was arrested and charged with evading responsibility, interfering with a police officer, and traveling too fast for conditions. He was placed on administrative leave on April 1.

"It is well established in Connecticut law and policy that dishonesty by a police officer is among one of the most serious forms of misconduct," Chief Mello said during his presentation to the commission.

In recommending termination last week, Mello said Brennan's conduct violated the standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism fundamental to the department and law enforcement profession.

"Our community places its trust in us to uphold the law and to always conduct ourselves with integrity — both on and off duty," Mello said. "When that trust is compromised, it is our responsibility to take decisive action."

After hearing the full presentation of the Internal Affairs investigation, the Board of Police Commissioners voted that Brennan should not keep his job.

"No individual is above the law or exempt from the expectations we are sworn to uphold," Mello said.

Brennan's criminal case remains pending in Milford Superior Court.