Two Connecticut police officers were shot and a suspect was killed Friday night after an attempted arrest for suspected illegal activity led to a car chase and exchange of gunfire. The incident occurred near Hartford and concluded in Newington.
Hartford police officers were investigating illegal activity around 11:07 p.m. when a male suspect fled the scene. During an attempted apprehension, an officer believed the suspect had a gun in his waistband. The suspect then entered a vehicle and drove away, initiating a pursuit that involved multiple police departments.
The chase ended on Webster Court in Newington, a town south of Hartford, where an exchange of gunfire resulted in two officers sustaining wounds and the suspect being killed. The wounded officers were identified as Hartford Police Officer Alex Diaz and Rocky Hill Police Officer Jon Escobar. Both were hospitalized but have since been released.
A firearm was recovered at the scene. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the suspect or released further details regarding the initial illegal activity investigation.
The Connecticut Office of Inspector General is investigating the use of deadly force in the incident. The circumstances surrounding the gunfire, including which officers discharged their weapons, remain under investigation.