New Haven Police Chief On Leave After Disturbance At Restaurant

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- A Connecticut police chief is temporarily off the job following a recent outburst at a restaurant.

New Haven Police Chief Dean Esserman was accused of berating a waitress at a local restaurant and causing a disturbance, forcing some diners to move to another table, WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau reported.

Laurence Grotheer, spokesman for New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, said Esserman is now on a paid leave of absence.

"I would consider the leave of absence to be a consequence or form of discipline if you will," Grotheer said. "It is the city's position that the three-week administrative leave is a form of reprimand, it is a consequence of his behavior."

Harp is quoted as saying the chief was apologetic about the incident, explaining that his personal life has been difficult, Schneidau reported.

Grotheer said no decision has been made as to whether Esserman will stay on as police chief when he returns in mid-August.

A no-confidence vote by police rank and a file on the chief's leadership skills has been registered.

At his former position as chief of police in Stamford, Esserman was also cited for public behavioral issues, Schneidau reported.