Two Connecticut police officers were wounded and a suspect was killed after an attempted arrest led to a vehicle chase and gunfire late Friday. The incident began in Hartford and ended in Newington, south of the city near the Rocky Hill town line. Both officers were hospitalized and later released, while authorities continued investigating the shooting.
Hartford police said the incident began at about 11:07 p.m. as officers investigated suspected illegal activity. A suspect fled on foot, entered a vehicle and drove away after an officer attempted to take him into custody.
The Connecticut Office of Inspector General is investigating the use of deadly force. Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect or released further details about the activity that preceded the attempted arrest.
| 1) | Attempted arrest triggers a pursuit |
| 2) | Chase moves from Hartford to Newington |
| 3) | Gunfire wounds two officers |
| 4) | Deadly-force investigation begins |
| 5) | Authorities continue reviewing the incident |
Attempted arrest triggers a pursuit
Hartford officers were investigating suspected illegal activity shortly after 11:07 p.m. Friday when a male suspect ran from the area. An officer pursued him and attempted to take him into custody. During a struggle, the officer felt what he believed was a firearm in the suspect’s waistband, according to police.
The suspect then managed to reach a car and drive away. Hartford officers began pursuing the vehicle, and information about it was communicated to police departments in surrounding communities. The initial investigation and attempted arrest took place in Hartford, although officials have not disclosed the specific activity under review.
Chase moves from Hartford to Newington
The pursuit continued through the Hartford area before reaching Webster Court in Newington. The town is south of Hartford and near the Rocky Hill town line, bringing multiple law enforcement agencies into the response.
The suspect eventually exited the vehicle at the Newington location. Police said an exchange of gunfire followed. The cross-town pursuit prompted a multi-agency response and investigation because the incident began in one jurisdiction and ended in another.
Gunfire wounds two officers
The shooting wounded Hartford Police Officer Alex Diaz and Rocky Hill Police Officer Jon Escobar. Both officers were transported to a hospital after the exchange and were later released, according to local authorities.
Hartford police said Diaz was released Saturday and was recovering at home. The suspect died at the scene. Police also reported recovering a gun, but officials have not provided further details about the weapon or the sequence of shots.
Deadly-force investigation begins
The Connecticut Office of Inspector General is investigating the use of deadly force. The review is expected to examine the circumstances of the encounter, including the struggle during the attempted arrest and the subsequent exchange of gunfire.
Authorities have not identified which officers fired their weapons. They also have not publicly named the suspect or explained what specific conduct led Hartford officers to begin their investigation. Those questions remain part of the ongoing inquiry.
Authorities continue reviewing the incident
The investigation remained active after the officers were released from the hospital. Hartford police directed questions about the review to the Office of Inspector General, which had not immediately provided additional public comment.
Investigators must now establish a detailed timeline from the initial contact in Hartford through the pursuit, the suspect’s exit from the vehicle and the gunfire in Newington. Further information will depend on the law enforcement investigation and the deadly-force review.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The incident began during an attempted arrest in Hartford at about 11:07 p.m. |
| 2 | The suspect fled by car, leading officers into neighboring Newington. |
| 3 | Hartford Officer Alex Diaz and Rocky Hill Officer Jon Escobar were wounded and later released. |
| 4 | The suspect was killed during an exchange of gunfire, and a gun was recovered. |
| 5 | The Connecticut Office of Inspector General is investigating the use of deadly force. |
Summary
A Hartford investigation escalated into a vehicle pursuit that crossed into Newington, where gunfire left two officers injured and the suspect dead. The officers were released from the hospital, but key details about the suspect, the initial investigation and the shooting sequence have not been made public. The state deadly-force investigation remains ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred on Webster Court in Newington, south of Hartford and near the Rocky Hill town line.
Which officers were wounded?
Hartford Police Officer Alex Diaz and Rocky Hill Police Officer Jon Escobar were wounded. Both were later released from the hospital.
Who is investigating the use of deadly force?
The Connecticut Office of Inspector General is investigating the use of deadly force.
Has the suspect been identified?
Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect or released additional details about the activity that preceded the attempted arrest.
