Wethersfield Opts Not To Fly Thin Blue Line Flag To Honor Officer

WETHERSFIELD, CT — The Wethersfield Town Council is facing backlash after voting not to fly a "thin blue line" flag for a beloved state trooper who was killed in the line of duty May 30, according to multiple reports.

A councilman's request that the flag — which represents police as the line between law and order and chaos in society but popularly used by the supporters of the "Blue Lives Matter" movement — be raised while Pelletier was laid to rest Wednesday was turned down in a 5 to 3 vote, WFSB reported.

According to WTNH, council member Rich Bailey said that in his home, the flag simply "means police, and they protect us, and they are our first line of defense."

Others dispute that perspective, with another member pointing out that the flag "represents racism and antagonism to many" and that 'if it means something to you, you should fly it at your own house,' the outlet reported.

Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, 34, was struck by a motorist in a pickup truck while he was conducting a seatbelt enforcement check on Interstate 84 in Southington, where he was born, raised, and lived.

The driver — Alex Oyola-Sanchez, 44, of Hartford — fled the scene and was later caught after police said he side-swept Pelletier's parked police cruiser and then struck Pelletier himself. He is now facing charges including operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol and vehicular manslaughter.

Oyuola-Sanchez is being held on $1.5 million bond after an initial $5 million bond and is expected in New Britain Superior Court on Thursday.