FROM THE OFFICE OF MAYOR BRONIN

FIRE CHIEF, ASSISTANT CHIEFS TO BE SWORN IN AT PROMOTIONAL CEREMONY

 

— MEDIA ADVISORY —

(February 29, 2016) Fire Chief Reginald D. Freeman, who was recently appointed by Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, Assistant Fire Chief of Support Services Frank Costello, and Assistant Chief of Emergency Services Darren Hudson will be sworn in Friday, March 4, 2016 during a ceremony at M.D. Fox Elementary School Auditorium. The ceremony will also honor the accomplishments and hard work of 21 Firefighters promoted to Pump Operator, Ladder Driver, Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief. The event is open to the public and will begin promptly at 6 p.m. 

WHO: Mayor Luke Bronin, Fire Chief Reginald Freeman

WHAT: Swearing-in and promotional ceremony

WHEN: Friday, March 4; 6 p.m.

WHERE: M.D. Fox School Auditorium, 470 Maple Avenue, Hartford

AN HOUR WITH HARTFORD'S NEW FIRE CHIEF, REGGIE FREEMAN

Today our guest on "We the People" was Hartford's newly appointed Fire Chief. Reggie Freeman. Less than a month on the job as the Chief, we talked about his vision and the leadership he is providing to the HFD, the future and his goals .

One of Chief Freeman's first steps after taking office was to restore some of the tradition to a proud Fire Department. He visited all firehouse and tried to meet and listen to firefighter's as their Chief. I think that was appreciated  as indicated by the text below, that I received after his first day here, from one of his firefighters.

Another move was to highlight the proud history of HFD by taking the pictures of all the past Chief's out of storage so they could be hung on the hallways in Fire Headquarters.

And finally, one of the little things that is very symbolic, was the return of the 1-HFD license plate to the Chief's City vehicle. I could never understand the need for previous Chief's to operate undercover with regular plates. The Chief should be proud of his position and not be ashamed to be identified (unless the vehicle is somewhere it shouldn't be)

Click on the program below to watch our interview with Chief Freeman, feel free to comment.

POLICE LIVES MATTER ALSO

This is just such a tragic story.

I don't think we appreciate the danger our Police Officers place themselves in every day to protect us.

Many police officers have been gunned down already this year, but this one is a glaring example of the dangers they face. Ashley Guindon was murdered in her first day on the job after completing her service in the United States Marine Corps.

The irony is that she was probably in much more danger during her military deployments , but she came back home to continue her public service and was murdered in an affluent suburb of $500,000 homes during a reported domestic disturbance.

Please keep our first responders in your thoughts and prayers and also remember those officers in Virginia and across the country that have been wounded and are recovering from shootings

. There is also a local aspect to this killing. The West Springfield Massachusetts Police are with heavy hearts today after learning of the fatal shooting of Police Officer Ashley Guindon on her first night of duty. Ashley is the niece of West Springfield Police Detective Thomas Guindon.

..WOODBRIDGE, Va. (AP) — A Virginia police officer was shot and killed Saturday on her first day back with her department after being sworn in, and two of her colleagues were wounded in a confrontation stemming from a call about an argument.
A county leader said a civilian woman was also killed in the domestic dispute.
Officers received a call around 5:30 Saturday evening in Woodbridge, about 30 miles southwest of the nation's capital, about a "verbal argument," Sgt. Jonathan Perok, spokesman of the Prince William County Police Department, said. It's not clear how the altercation between the suspect and police began but the suspect, a military serviceman, is in custody and was not injured, he said. The condition of the other two officers is not known.
The department announced on its Facebook page that Officer Ashley Guindon had died from the injuries she sustained in the shooting.
A picture of Guindon was posted to the department's Twitter page on Friday with a tweet that read, "Welcome Officers Steven Kendall & Ashley Guindon who were sworn in today & begin their shifts this weekend. Be Safe!" It is not known if the other officer in the tweet was involved in the shooting incident.
Guindon had been a county police officer a few years ago and had left and returned to the force, Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, said in a phone interview with The Associated Press Saturday night. He did not know the exact dates of when she started and left, he said.
Another woman was killed in the domestic call and was dead before police arrived, Stewart said, but police declined to confirm that information. Stewart also said there was a child in the house during the incident who was not harmed.
Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney Paul Ebert told The Associated Press Saturday night that he has authorized a capital murder charge, along with other counts, against the suspect, who has not been identified.
At Inova Fairfax Hospital, where the three officers were flown by helicopter after the shooting, more than 100 patrol cars lined the roads outside early Sunday morning to stand vigil and escort Guindon's body to the medical examiner.
The shooting occurred in the Lake Ridge neighborhood, on a curving street with $500,000 suburban houses with brick and siding exteriors, manicured lawns and two-car garages about a five-minute drive from the county office building.
Until Saturday evening, the big news in the police department was the planned retirement of Chief Steve Hudson, who announced two weeks ago that he will step down at the end of March, and officers' plans to do a "polar bear" plunge on Saturday morning to raise money for Special Olympics.
Police said the incident is still being investigated.

The West Springfield Police are with heavy hearts today after learning of the fatal shooting of Ashley Guindon on her first night of duty. Ashley is the niece of West Springfield Police Detective Thomas Guindon.

THIS COULD HAVE ENDED BADLY, THANK YOU HPD

On Saturday, February 27th, 2016, at 2359 hours, Patrol Units were dispatched to the area of 50 Vine Street for a Shot Spotter activation (#76253) indicating three shots fired. HPD Dispatch also received citizen callers reporting shots fired in the same area.

As units arrived in the area, Traffic Officer Taylor observed a group of males in an alleyway, within close proximity of the Shot Spotter alert. When the group observed Officer Taylor, they immediately fled west towards Vine Street, at which point Officer Taylor pursued the group on foot. Several individuals were apprehended.

One in particular, Accused Jonathan Frater, was observed clenching his waistband, exhibiting signs of a person armed with a firearm . Officer Fogg began to pursue Frater south on Vine Street as other officers had stopped other individuals in the group. Officer Herrmann joined the foot chase with Officer Fogg at Albany Avenue at Burton Street.

Officer Herrmann was able to pursue Frater westbound over a fence, through rear yards, towards Sigourney Street. Frater fell then continued west from the rear of 398 Sigourney Street, where he was met by Officer Steinmetz. Officer Steinmetz ordered Frater to get on the ground which he did, and was taken into custody by Officers Herrmann, Steinmetz and Fogg.

Officer Herrmann went back to the area where he observed Frater fall on the ground after scaling a fence, and in the mud located a Smith & Wesson .32 caliber revolver.

Frater was transported to HPD Detention for booking and processing procedures. Frater was held on a $500,000.00 bond.

Accused; Frater, Jonathan, M/B/18 (08/21/1997), of 66 Deerfield Avenue, Hartford, CT.
Charges; Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Carrying a Pistol w/o a Permit, Reckless Endangerment 1st
Degree and Interfering w/ Police.
Firearm Seized; Smith & Wesson .32 caliber Revolver, s/n AT48038.

Great effort by all involved to take more illegal gun off of our streets

ANGEL MORALES, YOU'RE FIRED

No, those aren't words from Donald Trump on the "Apprentice". Those are the words of Vincent Mauro  Jr., Chief of Staff to the Connecticut Senate Democrats advising Hartford political operative Angel Morales of his "involuntary termination" from his position as a clerk with the Connecticut Legislature in a letter dated June 15, 2015.

Angel Morales Termination Letter

Sometime last spring, I had spoken with a downtown business owner who asked me if I knew a guy named Angel Morales . When I stated that I did, he related to me how Morales was shaking him down and explained that he ( Morales) worked for the State of Connecticut and that he (Morales ) could help him out with any liquor issues the business owner might be having.

He said Morales showed him some State Identification and also told him that he did entertainment promotions on the side. I guess the business owner originally agreed and then had second thoughts. When he told Morales that, Morales threatened to have his business shut down and apparently became very confrontational. I was told that another Hartford business  owner had the same situation with Morales. Morales was also allegedly bringing under - age young men into the second establishment  and the owner was concerned about having minors near alcohol in his establishment.

 The second business  owner also claimed to have found Morales in a storage room in a , let's just say compromising position with a young man and he apparently told Morales and the young man to get off his property..

I had told the first business owner that he should contact the State Capitol Police and make a complaint if he felt Morales was attempting to extort money from him for protection based upon his position at the Capitol.

A little hospital issue cropped up for me and I didn't follow up on the issue... until now.

Angel Morales Warning Letter

It appears that one of the business owners did get in touch with the Office of Legislative Management and made a complaint. On May 5, 2015 Morales was issued a letter of disciplinary Action detailing the allegations against him. The letter speaks for itself .

The letter also details an allegation that Morales apparently deposited his Capitol paycheck through a TD Bank phone app and then apparently tried to get double the  amount by going to a check cashing service and cashing the actual check. As of Thursday, Legislative management was unaware if  Morales had made restitution to TD Bank or the check cashing service for the missing money.

It is also interesting that the last paragraph of the warning letter seems to urge Morales to get help through the Employee Assistance Program and they "strongly recommend hat you contact them if you feel they can help you ". That might be the best thing Morales could do.

Morales is also under investigation by the State of Connecticut Elections Enforcement Commission for misuse of Citizen Elections fund money You can read more about that here in Jon Lender's recent Courant article .

It seems as though Morales's fraud knows no bounds. According to documents obtained through an FOI request. Morales applied for unemployment compensation after his termination claiming he was laid off  for "lack of work". The State chose not to contest the claim

For another "We the People " posting on Morales, click here. This was when I was involved with Morales's run for State Representative from the 4th District. Luckily I smartened up to his conman antics quickly before I got in too deep. This posting was also the subject of e-mails sent around the Capitol apparently warning about Morales, from documents provided me through an FOI request.

Morales Emails

WHAT IS YOUR BRIGHT IDEA ?

Our City employees and residents are much more valuable than any consultant could ever be. We deal with issues in our neighborhoods every day and throughout City Government. I am pretty sure most of us have had a thought at one time or another "that is crazy the way that is done" and can think of more efficient ways to get things done.

As we head into , or maybe more appropriately , as we try to work our way out of very difficult budget times. Every dollar of savings counts. we might not find the million dollar fix, but all ideas will add up. 

Please feel free to leave your comments here and any thoughts for savings or any way to do business leaner and smarter for the City of Hartford

Comment away ,and please stay positive. And trust me, people that can make a difference are reading also. Let's be part of the solution.

A RESPONSE TO ANOTHER COMMENT

This past week I met someone that said they are a regular reader of the blog, but they just can't read the comments.

I get that. The comments are what keeps a lot of people coming back. Sometimes they are valid, sometimes helpful and well thought out,sometimes quite entertaining and others are just downright nasty. If only you could see some of those I don't allow through.

If any one has any suggestions for a better way to administer the comments to improve the blog, I am listening.

This afternoon I received an anonymous comment regarding the video of Judge Vanda  Evans prior to her sentencing of a racist, abusive cop.

The comment read:

Anonymous said...

I too was galvanized by the judge's oratory. This 20 minute speech which is what it was, should be used in every police academy throughout the nation. It won't but it should. The biggest mistake that honest, humble, hard-working police do in the course of their job, is to protect their fellow officers when one commits an aggression that anyone else would be arrested for and charged.

And please Mr Brookman, don't think for one moment that we don't have this problem here in Hartford. We do. Don't white-wash, sort of speak. Even I, as a white man, have found myself in police situations that could have too easily gone in a negative direction save for my friendliness and non-threatening behavior and most importantly, my WHITENESS.

I am sometimes optimistic and at other times, pessimistic, depending on the situation. With regard to police misconduct, I am more pessimistic in the ability of police organizations to weed out the poor choices. Part of the problem is the police unions, all of which should be rendered obsolete and banned. So, as I meet a police on any level, my mind automatically begins a selection process; good police and human or pig. And unfortunately, there remain plenty of pigs in Hartford. You even find them on these boards.

Until the pigs are pulled from the poke,, things won't change. Yes, we have a dedicated group here in Hartford and am comforted by their presence. And I do my best to assist reporting a crime when possible. But it's those damn pigs that are only fired after committing a humongous crime. Get rid of the pigs and allow all of us the chance to dismiss our cynicism.

That judge's soliloquy did bring tears to my eyes. It was an unusual and lengthy rebuke from the bench. Praise to her wisdom. Maybe it resonated somewhere in the depths of that officer. I hope part of his after prison sentence will be to do community volunteering for a length of time. And if it is not mandated, then he should do it anyways for his own redemption.

My response:

Most of us don't have the greatest impression of our Police Officer's.  One of the main reasons for that is we vary rarely meet or interact with police officer's under warm and fuzzy circumstances. You have been a victim of a crime, you have had a motor vehicle accident, you are getting pulled over for a traffic ticket. Or sometimes even worse.

Most people don't avail themselves of the chance to get to know a police officer and see what makes them tick. Work with your CSO at an NRZ meeting and see the response you get. It is what the Community Oriented Policing program is all about.

And we have all been there. How many Hartford residents have had a police officer ask them why  they stay  in Hartford ? How many of us have reported a break in to our cars and have a police officer comment "what do you expect, you live in Hartford"

I know our system isn't perfect, but we have a great foundation to build on.  Last year I first exposed a situation here of a Hartford officer that was drunk at Foxwood's Casino yelling the "N" word. Chief Rovella promptly responded to the incident and the officer was terminated. Will the termination  hold up if challenged? Who knows. But anything short of termination would definitely send the wrong message. How is the PD supposed to say they want and need to build bridges to the community if they  knowingly deploy racist cops are  in our neighborhoods.

And the fact that the officer was drunk is no excuse. All his excessive alcohol use did was provide the lubricant for his true beliefs and feelings to come to the surface. And to address your comment "Part of the problem is the police unions" How much do you think the Union will eventually spend on attorney';s fees and hearings to get a racist cop rehired? Unions overall have a purpose. If the City was putting in dangerous vehicles with bald tires as the Judge mentioned in her comments, that is fair game for the Union to address, keeping their members safe. To protect bad employees, many of them who are far from the caliber of the rest of their hard working decent members is wrong, and is indicative of what many unions have evolved into.

I think you are wrong in your assumption that Hartford Officers are only fired after committing a humongous crime. I think you need to look at the discipline record of Chief Rovella. Much of the wrong doing by Hartford Officers  has been exposed first here. The lobster stealing officer, the officer involved in a murder investigation in Springfield and then expanded into interstate commerce by stealing from Walmart while working,  the racist cop who was not afraid to tell cops at Foxwood's that his family used to own slaves and then yelling the "N" word at the cops.

 None of those are proud moments for a Police Chief to deal with, but I think the measure is how the Chief deals with them. It would be easy to ignore such incidents , but that only creates more problems, and I have faith Chief Rovella can deal with the heat of doing the right thing when confronted with the hard choices.

I would ask for two things. First off, try to take the time and get to know a police officer you might be surprised when you see the human side of what they deal with. Second, , try a different word than pig and realize we are very lucky in Hartford to have the men and women protecting our City. It might not be perfect, but we have a direct role also in the success or failure.

A JUDGE LAYS OUT BOTH SIDES OF THE PROBLEM

 I found this video yesterday on-line. It is Judge Vonda Evans before she sentences a Detroit area Police Officer ( most likely former Police officer now) for his racist beating of an African American man after a traffic stop.

I originally thought I would only make it through the first few seconds of a "high and mighty": Judge's lecture from the bench. But Judge Evan's remarks actually pinpointed the problems we have when we hire human beings to keep our communities safe. Or at least we try to.

After watching the full video, we need to realize here in Hartford, that we are fortunate to have the Police Department w have. Is it perfect? No. We have a Chief, and finally now a Mayor, that seems to actually get the meaning of Community Oriented Policing. It is not just a buzz word to throw around and make things sound good. But it is a mind set that both the Community and the Officers patrolling our neighborhoods need to buy into.

Thursday nights Town Hall meeting is a good start, but I think there needs to be a lot more education. The community needs to understand how the Police Department functions and the constraints that are put on any Police Department by staffing and Budget issues Why can't I have a Police Officer at my door within five minutes after I call?

We can't be afraid to say maybe because we haven't hired in years and we are over 100, probably more, officers short of where we should be. And as much as they would like to be at your door in minutes, resources are tied up responding to the woman in Blue Hills lying on her front porch for cover as gun shots were just fired in front of her driveway as she parked her car.

And we as a community also need to be part of the solution. Law enforcement are not meant to be surrogate parents for those children  in our community growing up without adults acting like adults in their lives. We need to develop much better programs to mentor and build strong neighborhoods. And end the path to prison for so many of our youth.

There is a lot more to accepting Grant checks for these programs than cashing the check and giving yourself the title of Executive Director  with a huge salary. We need to start demanding a return on our investments. Accountability and status reports need to be a requirement. A "non-profit" should not also be allowed to be "non-producing".

Judge Evans seems to get it, and she isn't afraid to say it. I think we need a lot more of that to get things on track

THE COST OF INSANITY

If anyone needs proof that we just came through six years of  incompetence and reckless financial

management  ( or maybe I should say mismanagement) the info above should be all the proof you need. It is a screen capture from a payroll report, known as "page 1" around HPD. It is the total wages paid to the top earner at HPD for the 2015 year.

LET BE VERY CLEAR ON THIS POINT. This officer did nothing wrong, who wouldn't quadruple their annual salary if given the opportunity. Especially if it was your last year before retiring and that salary contributes to your pension calculation... for the rest of your life.

 The 'PJPay Amount" doesn't bother me as much as the "OTPayAmt". Although I have to wonder what shape any officer working those hours would be in, both physically and mentally. It has to take a toll on someones family life and even their attitude when they report to work after working all those hours. Keep in mind that many of the PJ hours are accrued working "road jobs" or construction jobs during summer months. Who wouldn't be exhausted after standing in 90 degree heat directing traffic all day on a hot street during July?

The City of Hartford does make money off these road jobs though, last year alone over $3 million dollars in profit was seen by the City on PJ invoices billed

But the greater concern to me is that these earnings , especially the OT and pensions, are not sustainable for the City's budget..

For the last several years, under former Mayor Pedro Segarra and Council President Shawn Wooden, the City has turned a blind eye to its financial responsibility and accountability. Mayor Luke Bronin has inherited a mess. That mess must now be addressed and it is going to mean some tough decisions that aren't going to make everyone happy. It will, in reality, probably make very few , if any happy.

The choices now have become a necessity after years of neglect and incompetence. Hiring in the police Department has pretty much been ignored by Segarra for years. He can't say he didn't know. The documents to both Segarra and the reckless former Council are there. The warnings were loud and clear, the documents and e-mails prove it

But to be fair, anyone with a scintilla of management skill should have been able to look at the numbers. In the 1980's and 1990's , Hartford was hiring large numbers of Police Officer's. Common sense would tell you to keep an eye on the calendar because those large numbers being hired would be retiring in twenty ( now twenty five years) after their hire date.

We never kept track or planned for the future, so now HPD as well as Hartford's residents are in a crisis situation, paying huge OT costs and trying to scramble to rebuild HPD staffing levels.

Thank you Pedro, Shawn and our former OMB Chair Ken Kennedy for driving us off the financial cliff. I only hope Mayor Bronin can bring us back on track before a State take over or a bankruptcy is necessary.

I guess the one positive thing that could come out of a State takeover is that apparently all contracts and agreements would become null and void and we could begin over with some common sense.

In the meantime, it would be nice to see some of those salary dollars going to qualified Hartford residents. They are out there, we just need to do a better job of finding and recruiting them

HPD UNVEILS NEW CRIME CENTER-RAW VIDEO

The Hartford Police Department unveiled their new Crime Center Wednesday afternoon. Here is the raw video of the event.

.

REAL TALK FROM MAYOR BRONIN, TONIGHT'S SUBJECT-PUBLIC SAFETY

Tonight, Mayor Luke Bronin held another of his Town Hall Meetings. Tonight's topic was Public Safety.

Unlike community meetings from the past administration, the sugar coating was gone. It was honest and frank conversations about the staffing shortages in the Police Department and tough budget decisions facing the City for both Police and Fire.

City residents in attendance who stepped up to the microphone were  supportive of the efforts of HPD and HFD and the services they provide to our community. I think it was also important that Chief Rovella chose to attend the meeting without a large entourage. People were able to speak to the Chief and some from the Mayor's Staff one-on one, in a very low key manor. I think a large uniformed contingent would have kept that from happening.

Both Chief Rovella and Chief Freeman welcomed residents to call them directly with comments, concerns or questions. Chief Rovella can be reached at 860-757-4000 and Chief Freeman can be reached at 860-757-4500.

Before the meeting began I was somewhat concerned that the opinions might not be supportive of our Police Department. The comments were mostly geared toward HPD and I was afraid that what seems like a national sentiment to bash cops would prevail. Apparently those in attendance realized how fortunate we are here to have the Community Oriented Policing program that Chief Rovella has built in Hartford and the comments stayed on point and very positive.

Several speakers related personal experiences but one in particular really stood out. The woman related how she returned home one night this week to hear gunfire close by as she walked to her front porch. She apparently observed a car pulling away with someone shooting out of the window . She immediately dove for the ground and laid on her front porch to avoid the gunfire. Almost immediately HPD showed up in front of her house. With the assistance of "Shot Spotter" the location was pinpointed and officers were dispatched immediately. The woman couldn't provide much additional information since she was on the ground, but she sang the praises of the Shot spotter technology

Mayor Bronin and Chief Rovella both emphasized the use of technology to increase the effectiveness of HPD's policing efforts.

Mayor Bronin's Office issued the following release after the meeting:

MAYOR BRONIN HOLDS TOWN HALL ON PUBLIC SAFETY  

— NEWS AND COMMUNITY STATEMENT —  

(February 25, 2016) Today, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin hosted his second monthly town hall. Speaking with residents gathered at Hartford Public High School, the Mayor stressed the importance of hiring police officers to address the crisis in police staffing, using new technology to modernize the police force, and engaging the community more directly.  

“Our most fundamental responsibility is to help keep our streets and neighborhoods safe,” Mayor Bronin said. “That starts with addressing the crisis in police staffing, but we also need to take full advantage of new technology and build even stronger partnerships with residents and community leaders.”

The Hartford Police Department is currently more than 100 officers below the staffing level recommended by independent consultants. Earlier this month, the Mayor accelerated the hiring of a new Police Academy class, consisting of 14 recruits and a Cadet from HPD’s restructured Cadet Program for city residents. The HPD has established a Recruiting Unit to assist in improving the recruitment of city residents and increase the diversity of the police force.

On Wednesday, Hartford unveiled a new Real-Time Crime and Data Intelligence Center to improve city policing and prevent criminal activity in the Greater Hartford region by taking advantage of new technology. The new crime center will help law enforcement make smart, targeted, timely arrests to get the most violent individuals off the street.

The Mayor stressed the importance of engaging the community in new ways to solve problems and generate ideas to tackle violence. In particular, he discussed the City’s plan to open Compstat meetings to the public, including the leaders of the faith community. At Compstat meetings, police share data and information about trends in criminal activity throughout the city.

While laying out the three pillars of staffing, modernization and community engagement as keys to the law enforcement strategy, Mayor Bronin noted that law enforcement is only a part of the public safety equation. “As we continue to strengthen law enforcement efforts, we also need to recognize that public safety is about much more than law enforcement. That’s why we’re going to continue to focus on expanding youth employment, combatting blight, cleaning up our neighborhoods, and building partnerships to help residents with criminal records get a real second chance,” the Mayor said.

“The single most powerful tool for reducing crime in our city is to give Hartford’s young people opportunities for meaningful employment,” the Mayor added. “I am committed to establishing a Youth Service Corps. where members will have the chance to earn a paycheck while serving their community, whether it’s fixing up blighted properties or helping seniors with their homes.”

Mayor Bronin has committed to holding monthly town halls in different neighborhoods around Hartford.  He hosted a January town hall addressing his administration’s priorities and his first 30 days in office.

###

FROM HPD: WELL ARMED DRUG DEALING

Isaiah Quinonez

On Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at approximately 12:10 p.m., while conducting Bodega/ Convenience Store inspections, HPD Patrol Officers observed a suspicious vehicle parked in front of 3391 Main Street.  The operator of the vehicle appeared to be conducting hand to hand transactions of narcotics with at least two individuals.  During the course of their investigation HPD Officers developed probable cause and located marijuana, packaging materials, and a loaded .45 caliber semiauto Ruger handgun.  The operator was licensed to carry, however, the firearm was seized and tagged for safekeeping, pending a review of the incident by Connecticut State Police Weapons and Permits Unit.  The operator was arrested and transported to the Hartford Police Booking facility and charged with several narcotic charges. 

Evidence:

.45 Caliber semi auto "Ruger" model SR 1911 handgun

$4810.00 in U.S. currency

Two bags of marijuana (0.5 ounces)

Arrested: Isaiah, Quinonez, 31, of Hartford, CT

Charges:

1.      Possession of a controlled substance

2.      Possession with intent to sell

FROM HPD: BARBERSHOP DRUG ARREST

Joctan Hernandez

During the month of February, HPD Detectives from the Vice and Narcotics unit were contacted by the Windsor Police Department in regards to a business in Hartford that was selling "tainted" heroin.  Windsor Police were investigating a non fatal overdose due to possible tainted heroin.  An individual identified the G&T Barber Shop as the location where the tainted heroin was purchased.  HPD Vice and Narcotic Detectives were able to obtain a valid search and seizure warrant for this location.  Upon execution of this search warrant, HPD Detectives located 6 individuals inside the business.  A search of the business produced a bag inside a garbage can containing 46 bags of heroin, 17 bags of cocaine, and 4 bags of marijuana.  The Manager of the business informed Detectives that the drugs located in the store belonged to him.  The Manager was placed under arrest for drug related charges and transported to the Hartford Booking facility.  A second individual inside the store was found to be in possession of less than 4 ounce of marijuana and was issued an infraction ticket.  The heroin tested inconclusive for Fentanyl and will be sent to the State lab for further testing. 

Evidence:

46 bags of heroin

17 bags of cocaine

4 bags of marijuana

$125.00 in U.S. Currency

Arrested: Joctan Hernandez, 42, of Hartford, CT

Charges:

1.      Possession of Narcotics

2.      Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell

3.      Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell within 1500 ft of school

4.      Possession of a Controlled Substance

Ticketed:  Hector Marrero, 19, of Hartford, CT

Charges:

1.        Possession of a Controlled Substance

Forward... inline text as attachment Move to... Trash Notes Sent Messages Undeliverable Mail More Actions... View Headers View Source --------------- Mark Unread Flag Message

‹ Previous | Next › | « Back to INBOX

FROM HPD: NORTH DISTRICT BODEGA INSPECTONS

On Wednesday, 02/24/16, The Hartford Police Department North District CSO's, in a cooperative effort with officials from State of CT Liquor Control, CT Department of Labor, CT Department of Revenue Services, City of Hartford Health Department, and City of Hartford License and Inspections, conducted numerous inspections of Bodegas/ Convenience Stores throughout the North District. These inspections were focused on ensuring compliance with State and City laws and ordinances. In total nine locations were inspected during this operation.

Location: Department/ Outcome: HPD case number:

1.)    2570 Main St. "Munchies Food Store" -- No Violations -- 2016-05661

2.) 194 Westland St. "JR Supermarket LLC."

-- Health - Citation issued -- 2016-05665

-- Liquor - Verbal warning

-- CT Tax - Citation issued

-- Labor - CLOSED THE STORE

3.) 1166 Albany Ave. "Pasty Dynamics" -- CT Tax- Summons issued -- 2016-05666

-- Health - (14) violations, verbal warning

-- FMO- suspended hot food services

-- L&I - formal write up with follow up inspection set.

4.) 256 Albany Ave. "Center Market" -- Health - citation issued --2016-05673

5.) 3397 Main St. "Mr. B Mini Mart" -- No Violations

- outside this location Arrest case number 2016-5679 (see unusual report for this incident.)

6.) 1468 Albany Ave. "Scotts II" -- No Violations -- 2016-05682

7.) 2383 Main St. "Super Deli On Main" -- Labor - CLOSED THE STORE -- 2016-05683

8.) 1631 Main St. "People's Plaza" -- Liquor - Citation issued -- 2016-05691

9.) 240 Walnut St. "Recycle King" -- Labor - CLOSED THE STORE -- 2016-05692

COUNCIL ACTIONS FOR FEBRUARY 22, 2016

Council Actions Meeting February 22, 2016

FROM HPD: IS EVERYONE CARRYING A GUN?

On February 22, 2016 at 10:02pm, Hartford Police Department Community Service Officers were working a proactive detail in the West End. As they were patrolling the area, they observed a person standing by Christine Grocery, 227 Sisson Ave. After patrolling for 15 minutes they observed the person still standing on the property. Officers then recognized the male and as being wanted for an outstanding warrant. Officers checked the suspect through dispatch and confirmed the active Hartford warrant. The male was handcuffed without incident. Incidental to arrest officers found a loaded Jimenez Arms 9mm firearm containing five live rounds, one in the chamber, and crack cocaine on the suspect.

Arrested: Joseph Grant 27 of Hartford, CT. (Convicted Felon, 15 Previous Hartford Arrests)

Charges:

1.       Criminal Possession of a Firearm

2.       Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit

3.       Trespassing 3^rd

4.       Possession of Narcotics

As well as Mittimus Prawn Warrant.

$500,000 Bond

SAINT PATRICK'S DAY FUNDRAISER AT SALUTE TUESDAY

The Hartford St. Patrick's Parade Committee will be holding a fundraiser at Salute' on Trumbull Street, tomorrow, Tuesday February 23rd from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Admission is $10.00 per person.

Turn out and help support the Hartford Saint Patrick's Day Parade

The Parade will be Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Come down to the parade route early and get your seat! The parade begins at Capitol Avenue by the State Capitol

WE THE PEOPLE PROGRAM FOR FEBRUARY 22, 2016

Check out our new set for the We the People on Hartford Public Access TV. We covered a wide range of topics which you might find interesting

A BUSY WEEKEND FOR THE HARTFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

As a result of the severe weather that Hartford had to deal with over the past weekend, fires and EMS calls played in small role in HFD's emergency responses.

HFD responded to over 253 emergency calls, many of them weather related.

On February 15th, HFD responded to 98 emergency calls and on February 16th they responded to 155 calls for service. The total HFD responses for the period was 376 weather /cold weather related calls.

 According to HFD Chief Reginald Freeman, on several occasions he heard radio conversations that the dispatcher stated that resources were down to "zero" due to the numerous simultaneous calls. Despite that workload, Freeman stated that the District Chiefs and the company officers and all personnel working handled the task with "poise and professionalism", rising to the task of meeting the emergency needs of the people of Hartford.

Freeman also stated that at the direction of Mayor Bronin, the City, HFD as well as few faith based organizations partnered together to ensure the safety of Hartford's people and make sure they had a safe place to keep warm during the sub zero temperatures. In addition to the City and HFD, the Asylum Hill Congregational Church and the Hartford Rescue Mission graciously opened their doors for approximately 120 residents. Both organizations also provided hot meals during that period.

Both organizations were given the "Chief's Award of Excellence" for their efforts this week  by Chief Freeman and presented by Councilman Jimmie Sanchez, The City Council's Public Safety Chair.

I received a call yesterday from a business person who experienced frozen pipes bursting in his building overnight Sunday. He was impressed by the efforts of HFD to what he called their "efforts above and beyond" to assist his cleanup efforts and removing the water from his business .

FROM HPD: HEROIN AND FENTANYL ARREST

During the month of February 2016 Detectives from the Hartford Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit were contacted by the investigators from the Southington Police Department in regards to an individual in Hartford that was selling "tainted" heroin. In the recent weeks, Southington PD had a fatal heroin overdose in their town. SPD informed HPD Vice & Narco detectives that they were able to identify a possible supplier of the "tainted" Heroin as male who went by the nickname "X", who was from Hartford. HPD Vice & Narco Detectives were able to identify "X" as being Xavier Quiles. Quiles became the focus of an expedited covert op.  began a narcotics investigation into him. The investigation included several undercover narcotics purchases, utilizing a undercover officers and informants. From the multiple controlled purchases, HPD Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for his arrest and a search warrant for his vehicle. Also during this investigation it was determined that Quiles resided at 11 Bell Court in East Hartford and that's where he was "stashing" his heroin.

 

With the assistance of East Hartford Police Narcotics Unit, the Detectives were able to stop and arrest Quiles as he exited his home to conduct a narcotics sale. Quiles was found in possession of (50) bags of heroin during this arrest. HPD Vice and Narcotics along with members of the East Hartford Police Narcotics unit then searched Quiles' East Hartford home. During the search, investigators recovered (453) bags of packaged heroin, 28.9 grams of  heroin/fentanyl, (50) grams of cocaine, numerous empty wax paper sleeves, cutting agents and other items used to package heroin as well as $11,727 in U.S. currency.

 

Quiles was arrested by East Hartford Police for several narcotic related charges then turned over to Hartford

Police where he was placed under arrest for the outstanding arrest warrant. Accused Quiles' 2008 Nissan Altima, which was used during several of the drug sales, was seized by the HPD Detectives. Several of the heroin purchased

from Quiles tested positive for Fentanyl, a drug added to heroin that makes the drug highly potent and frequently deadly to users who overdose. The heroin bags that investigators seized were identical to the bags that were located near the victim of the deadly heroin overdose. This investigation is ongoing.

 

Xavier Quiles, 26yo, LKA 11 Bell Court, East Hartford, CT (Convicted Felon, 20 previous Hartford PD arrests)

CHARGES:

1.       Possession of Narcotics

2.       Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell

3.       Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell within 1500 ft of school

4.       Drug Factory.

 

Evidence: (453) bags of packaged heroin.

Evidence: 28.9 grams of heroin/fentanyl and (50) grams of cocaine.

Evidence: $11,727 in U.S. currency.

Evidence: Numerous empty wax paper sleeves, cutting agents and other items used to package heroin.

 

MAYOR BRONIN TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETING ON PUBLIC SAFETY

MAYOR BRONIN TO HOLD TOWN HALL ON PUBLIC SAFETY NEXT THURSDAY

 

— MEDIA ADVISORY—

 

(February 18, 2016) On Thursday, February 25, 2016, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin will hold a town hall meeting with residents to discuss efforts to improve public safety throughout the City of Hartford. The event is an opportunity for residents to hear directly from the Mayor and have their questions answered. All Hartford residents are encouraged to attend.

 

---

 

WHO: Mayor Luke Bronin

WHAT: Town Hall on Public Safety

WHEN: Thursday, February 25; 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Hartford Public High School Auditorium, 55 Forest Street, Hartford

FROM HPD: STF DRIVE THRU WINDOW OPEN

On Saturday, December 26, 2015, a victim, who had just been shot at, drove his vehicle directly to the Hartford Shooting Task Force and reported the incident. The Hartford Shooting Task Force began an immediate investigation. The Victim reported that at approximately 4:00pm, while seated in his parked vehicle in front of 154 Mather Street, he was shot at several times. The victim reported he was not struck by the gunfire, but his car was hit several times. The victim drove away (while still being shot at) and went directly to the Hartford STF. The victim's vehicle was processed by HPD detectives. The detectives observed multiple projectile holes in the vehicle, consistent with gun fire. One projectile fragment was located inside the vehicle. Hartford STF detectives continued to investigate this incident and retrieved video surveillance from Willy's Super Deli at 154 Mather St. The surveillance video captured the incident as described by the victim: A male shooter opening fire on the victim's vehicle at 3:51pm. The video shows the victim exit the store as the shooter attempts to shoot to shoot him, but a malfunction occurred with the gun. The victim gets in his vehicle as the shooter clears the malfunction. The shooter then fires at the vehicle with the victim seated inside and attempting to drive away. After further investigation, Detectives were able to positively identify the shooter in the video as Eric White, 24 of Hartford, CT. Hartford STF Detectives prepared and submitted an Arrest Warrant to GA14 for White's arrest, charging him with Criminal Attempt at Assault 1st, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Carrying a Pistol w/o a Permit and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. The warrant was granted on February 11th, 2016, with a Judge set bond of $1,000,000.00 cash or surety. On Tuesday, February 16th, 2016, White was apprehended without incident, with the assistance of CT Adult Probation Officers, at his probation appointment program located at 716 Windsor Street. White was on probation as a result of a previous conviction for Criminal Attempt Murder and Assault First Degree, on March 2nd, 2011. White declined to speak to Detectives concerning this incident and was transported to the PSC for booking and processing procedures. Accused: White, Eric, 24, of Hartford, CT. (Convicted Felon, on probation, 6 previous Hartford Arrests) Charges: 1.       Criminal Attempt at Assault 1st 2.       Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm 3.       Carrying a Pistol w/o a Permit 4.       Criminal Possession of a Firearm. Victim: 25 year old male of Windsor, CT., (multiple convicted felon, with 11 previous Hartford arrests) Previous arrest: http://articles.courant.com/2010-04-07/community/hc-web-hartford-arrest-0407apr07_1_convenience-store-murder-and-first-degree-assault-shooting

FULL COUNCIL AGENDA PACKAGE FOR FEBRUARY 22, 2016

Full Agenda Package Court of Common Council Meeting February 22, 2016

COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 22, 2016

AGENDA
MEETING OF THE COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL
February 22, 2016
Approve the minutes of Regular Meetings of February 8, 2016.
ACTION TAKEN
COMMUNICATIONS
1. MAYOR BRONIN, with accompanying resolution authorizing the City to enter into Sign
Location License Agreement with The Lamar Companies for billboard location at 425 Ann
Uccello Street.
2. MAYOR BRONIN, with accompanying resolution authorizing the City to enter into a lease
with the Connecticut Children's Medical Center for office space located at 379-381
Washington Street.
HEARING DATE - Monday, March 14, 2016
3. MAYOR BRONIN, with accompanying resolution authorizing the City to enter into a
Construction Agreement and an Operating Agreement with the Hartford Public Library at 500
Main Street.
4. MAYOR BRONIN, with accompanying resolution authorizing the City to accept a grant from
the Connecticut Department of Public Health for activities designed to increase the rate of
immunization among Hartford children against infectious diseases.
5. LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, Communication concerning the presentation on
Governor's Proposed Budget and presentation on Mayor's Legislative Agenda
REPORTS
6. OPERATIONS, MANAGEMENT, BUDGET AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
COMMITTEE, Report concerning an ordinance amending an ordinance establishing a Public
Recreational Facilities Authority for the City of Hartford and Authorizing the transfer of real
property to said Authority
7. OPERATIONS, MANAGEMENT, BUDGET AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
COMMITTEE, with accompanying resolution authorizing the transferring of funds from the
Sundry account: Non-Operating Department Expenditures to the Registrar of Voters Office
8. QUALITY OF LIFE AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE, Report concerning Ordinance
Establishing Hartford as a Sanctuary City.
FOR ACTION
9. Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article IV, Section 2-105 of Code de Changing the name of
Metro Hartford Information Services to Metro Hartford Innovation Services.
10. Ordinance amending an ordinance establishing a Public Recreational Facilities Authority for
the City of Hartford and Authorizing the transfer of real property to said Authority.
RESOLUTIONS
11. (COUNCIL PRESIDENT CLARKE II) (MAJORITY LEADER CONCEPCION)
Appointment of Denise Best, Nicole Hughey and Julia Knowton to the LiveHartford Task
Force.
Attest: John V. Bazzano
City Clerk

AN ANDREW UPDATE

My nephew Andrew,. above, competing recently in Park City Utah

 

My nephew, Andrew Haraghey, continues his quest to qualify for the Paralympics to be held in 2018 in South Korea in the Alpine Downhill racing category. Andrew did just qualify for the World Cup races next month in Aspen , Colorado

 

 

Yesterday Andrew won  two bronze medals in speed races  in Aspen, CO. He is also qualified to compete in World Cup races next month. This is a HUGE accomplishment! Thanks to everyone that got him to this level!

Andrew developed Cerebral Palsy shortly after his birth. Despite his diagnosis, Andrew has worked  to overcome his challenge and is an amazing skier and inspiration to many.

Andrew's quest does not come without a price tag. The expenses for travel, training and equipment, as well as entrance fees for events, can add up. A portion of those  costs have been defrayed by a  Children's book my sister Sheryl wrote about her son Andrew. The book was also illustrated by my sister  and it has been well received, the second printing of the book came out last week. You can find out more at ":Andrew can Ski... Even with CP"  check it out here http://andrewcanski.com/

The Enfield Elks is going to help again with a Pasta dinner & dance fundraiser to help Andrew's efforts. Save the date... May 14.  More on this as details are developed.

You can find out more about Andrew and his quest at http://andrewraces.com/ a link to his "go fund me" page is there also, or click here https://www.gofundme.com/andrewraces

UPDATE: From Andrew's Facebook page this afternoon;

I just wanted to update everyone on the happenings so far, as I haven't posted in a while. I've been plenty busy, with competing in Canada in November, resulting in qualifying for World Cups in Speed events while achieving a 3.7 GPA at Westminster College for the fall semester. I then went on to compete in races throughout North America, where I ended up earning a silver medal in both the Super G, and Slalom at Whiteface resort. Through all my hard work, and the support of everyone around me, I have qualified for the World Cup Speed events in Aspen, Colorado later this month, as well as being wild carded into the World Cup tech event at Aspen as well.

ANOTHER RESPONSE TO A COMMENT

Anonymous said...

And what about all those new medical kits for the cruisers. A lot of good they will do sitting in a classroom at the Academy. Why? If anyone needs them, not much you can do about it, especially after we were trained with them . Why buy them in the first place if we can't have access to them. maybe eventually we can say "geez, we might have saved a life if they weren't locked up in the Academy"

February 9, 2016 at 7:30 PM

Anonymous said...

The lack of med kits being distributed back in october, rests on Deputy Chief Dustin Rendock. Plain and simple. He put a major speedbump up. Those kits are ready to be deployed, but Rendock has to flex what little command presence he has as the behind the desk Chief.

But hey, i dont mind driving a spare cruiser with no kit or tank in it. What a lawsuit it would be if someone dies due to med kits piled up at the academy. I bet they would be in the field after a nbc 30 news broadcast .....hmmmmmmm

February 9, 2016 at 8:34 PM

The two comments above were received Monday night. The comments provoked me to find out more. Apparently, the new medical kits were ordered to outfit Hartford Police cruisers with new medical bags . The bags also contain technology and equipment used by the US Military for lifesaving efforts, particularly to deal with shootings and severe trauma. The packets apparently use  technology that provides clotting agents to  gunshot wounds and definitely have proven beneficial in saving lives.

HPD personnel were trained in the use of the equipment , from what I am told by sources , in August. The lifesaving equipment has sat in a classroom at the Police Academy ever since, never being distributed to front line units in the field. I am unable to  understand what would motivate anyone to withhold such important equipment from being put into service as soon as it was available. Does the person playing games have a conscience?

Never being distributed to units in the field, until today that is. Once I began asking questions and trying to gather answers as to why lifesaving equipment was gathering dust at the Academy, things began to happen. This morning, all HPD Patrol units from the midnight shift were ordered to report to the Police Academy to be outfitted with their new medical equipment. From what I am told, all HPD line units are tonight fitted with new lifesaving equipment, including the clotting factor and specialized trauma bandages specially designed to deal with gunshot wounds.

Keep the comments coming in, they do make a difference. In this case possibly with lifesaving results.

And I also received a question about the oxygen tanks with the kits freezing

According to information on-line,the tank its self. it can feel frozen. but wont break when dropped. if you mean the oxygen itself. . . yes oxygen can freeze. all elements have a freezing point. Oxygen has a freezing point of -368.77 °F. I don't think the temperature is predicted to get  anywhere near that this weekend, but maybe one of the Deputy Chiefs knows better

HARTFORD CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS FOR FEBRUARY 8, 2016

Revised CounciL  Actions -Meeting February 8, 2016

WHERE THERE IS SMOKE.. FIRE REVEALS MARIJUANA OPERATION

VICENTE SANTIAGO

 

On Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at approximately 3:40 p.m., HPD Patrol Officers were dispatched to 180 Bonner Street to assist Hartford Fire Department on a structure fire.  After the fire was extinguished, fire personnel notified HPD Officers that they located suspected marijuana grow in the master bedroom. HPD Detectives from the Vice and Narcotics Unit responded to the scene and determined that inside the residence was a marijuana grow in the bedroom and basement areas.  A search warrant was applied for and executed, where Detectives were able to locate 20 marijuana plants and several items used to cultivate marijuana plants.  The resident of the home arrived on scene and was placed under arrest for several drug related charges and transported to the HPD Booking Facility to be processed.  HFD reported the fire was not caused by marijuana op.

Evidence:

20 Marijuana plants

Grow lights, timers, liquid plant food, thermometer and one grow cabinet

Arrested: Vincente Santiago, 32, of Hartford, CT

CHARGES:

1.       Illegal Cultivation of Marijuana

2.       Possession of Marijuana

3.       Drug Factory

4.       Possession within 1500 feet of a School