MORE POSITIVE NEWS FROM HPD

This needs no commentary other than to read the letter sent out by Chief Foley tonight,

Please see the letter below, it is about a kind gesture by an observant HPD Patrol Officer. Officer Agustin Flores (pictured)  is a great representative of the amazing women and men of HPD.

“Deputy Chief Foley, I hope you’re the right person to contact with this message of appreciation, and that you’ll distribute it as you think appropriate:

My family and I would like thank the officer who stopped traffic on Maple Avenue last Saturday evening, November 26, at about 5:30 PM, so that my very elderly aunt and her two only somewhat less elderly assistants could cross to reach First & Last. There is no question that this group would have been well advised to handle accessing F&L some other way (like a legitimate crosswalk). Suffice it to say that there was no parking on the F&L side, and my 96-year-old aunt insisted she was “fine to walk” across Maple rather than to be dropped off next to the restaurant.

It was dark by then, and traffic was steady and fairly heavy, including cars exiting the holiday light show on the golf course. The three ladies started across Maple, but there was zero chance they were going to make it without dodging cars.

A Hartford PD cruiser heading north on Maple obviously saw this scene. Thinking quickly, the officer turned at an angle to traffic, stopped his (her?) vehicle and hit the blue lights. Traffic in both directions stopped, and the ladies made their slow way across the street safely. The officer wished the group a nice evening, but there was no chance to get his (again – her, possibly, the group did not get a good look) name or other identifying information.

My family and I very much appreciate this quick and most courteous assistance. I (originally from Wethersfield) along with my son were visiting from North Carolina, and were impressed but not surprised by this example of Northern hospitality and holiday spirit. The same went for family from PA, MA and CT who heard about this when our relatives made it into F&L

Compliments from Hennessey’s from four states to your officer, and best wishes to all of the Hartford PD for a safe and peaceful holiday season”

BLAZING SADDLES LOOK LIKE THEY ARE STAYING IN HARTFORD

A man and his horse

It is not too often we see common sense working in Hartford, but here we go.

According to several sources, a tentative deal has been struck to save the Hartford Police Mounted Unit. This after word came out that Hartford's mayor was in the process of selling off the Mounted Units assets to the Rockland County New York Sheriff's Department for $500.00. There was apparently a large outcry by people caught off guard by the potential sale, including the Hartford City Council.

After I first posted that story, the calls came in fast and steady expressing outrage at the deal. You can read that original story here  http://wethepeoplehartford.blogspot.com/2016/11/hartford-police-mounted-unit-riding-off.html.

Now it seems that a regular reader of the blog , and a horse lover, has come up  with a creative plan to save the Mounted Unit.

According to sources, a deal is close to being signed off on that would place the maintenance and care of the horses under the direction of the Governor's Foot Guard enabling HPD to overcome the budget difficulties  it is facing related to maintaining the unit.. Much of the work of the Governor's Foot Guard is done by volunteers and would free up regular Hartford Police Officers who currently maintain the horses 7 days a week.

I will be posting much more on this as the plan becomes formalized., but it is a great start and a win-win for both HPD and the Governor's Foot Guard. I  understand that there have been numerous offers from the private sector to maintain the Unit also.

Here is some information from the Governor's Foot Guard's website as to who they are:
The First Company Governor's Foot Guard is a military unit of the State of Connecticut, although with a vibrant and active National Guard, the primary function of the Governor's Foot Guard is mostly ceremonial.   Statutory authority for the existence of the First Company comes from C.G.S. 27-6,  which authorizes the existence of and the organizational structure of the State Organized Militia Units.   As a military unit, the First Company follows policies and procedures set forth by statute, the policies, and orders of The Governor, and those set forth by The Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard.   These are the same rules that apply to members of the state National Guard and among other things, require members of the First Company to attend annual training each summer at the National Guard installation in Niantic and authorize the First Company for call-up to active duty by order of the Governor to assist in times of natural disaster and civil emergencies..

You can view the entire Foot Guard website here:http://governorsfootguard.com/info/index.html

DON'T GET RIPPED OFF BY MDC IMPOSTERS

MDC WARNS OF SUSPECTED IMPOSTERS

November 30, 2016

For Immediate Release

HARTFORD -- The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) is advising customers to be cautious of an individual posing as a water company employee in an attempt to enter residential homes.

On Tuesday, November 29, a male suspect claiming to be from the water company attempted to gain access to several Hartford apartments in the vicinity of James Street, telling the residents there was a problem with their water bill. No further details are available at this time.

The MDC urges all residents, especially those who are home during the day, to be alert for imposters by following these tips:

• MDC field employees wear clothing and drive vehicles clearly marked with the MDC logo.

• The MDC encourages customers to stay secure within the home while asking for identification from anyone who comes to their door.  All MDC employees have photo identification badges and will gladly display them upon request.  The policy is “No Identification - No Entry” .

• If someone comes to your door claiming to be from the water company and you do not have a previously scheduled appointment, do not allow access to your home until calling the MDC Command Center at 860-278-7850 ext 3600 to verify their identity.

• If you have any doubt about the individual’s identity or motives, or authenticity of their credentials, do not allow them entry into your home and call the police.

Maybe the next step should be to distribute a flyer of MDC Chairman Bill diBella and the MDC Commissioners to our suburban neighbors. The MDC's plan to shove Hartford's debt off onto member towns will cost residents more than any imposters ever could. 

FOUR YEAR OLD "WANDERS" AWAY FROM HARTFORD SCHOOL

A 4 yr old was sent to the office at Milner School for early pick up today.

After not seeing her mother she apparently left the school and walked home to  Bedford St.

A citizen who happened to observe the unattended child followed her to ensure she arrived safely.

The child got home safely and her mother called the school and the Hartford Police to report the incident.

No criminal action was taken at the time.

But an internal investigation at the school is being conducted.

Both the school and HPD called DCF who will also conduct their investigation.

How could this happen? I know the investigation is only just starting, but someone needs to be held accountable, it just seems crazy that a system that is supposed to protect and educate children allows a 4 year old on the streets unsupervised.

FROM HPD: ANOTHER FELON WITH A GUN

On November 19, 2016 at 1:24am, Hartford Police Department Officers were dispatched to the area of Franklin Avenue and Annawan Street for a 911 report of a person with a firearm. Upon arrival, Officers located a suspect matching the description given by the caller. During the investigation the suspect attempted to elude officers. Officers gave the accused a verbal command to stop, but the accused ran north on Franklin Avenue. Officers caught up to the suspect who ran into a darkened back yard. The officers heard a sound which they immediately recognized as a pistol slide loading a round into a gun. The officers gave verbal commands again to the accused. The Officers then heard something metal being thrown to the ground and the suspect walked to the officers with his hands raised. A canvass of the area located a 9mm TGI pistol with four live rounds inside of it. The accused was then debriefed by STF (Shooting Task Force) detectives. No one was injured during the incident. The accused was then arrested and transported to booking.

The accused is from Bloomfield CT, he is a convicted felon several times over, with 10 previous arrests in Hartford.

Accused: Dunker, Arcenio 6/21/89 27 Forest Ln Bloomfield CT

Charges: Disorderly Conduct (53a-182), Possession of a Pistol Without a Permit (29-35), and Criminal

Possession of a Firearm (53a-217)

Firearm: 9mm TEG

THE TICKET PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOT CHEAPER

From HPD: Hartford Police Officers deployed  "stop sticks" today to disable a motorist fleeing to avoid a stop belt checkpoint as part of the "Click it or Ticket " campaign.

Stop sticks are used to deflate the fleeing vehicles tires and render it immobile

Instead of an infraction ticket for not wearing a seatbelt, the motorist now faces additional charges as well as the cost of four new tires and tow  charges for having the car towed from the scene.

Not a smart decision to flee from the Police, and a costly one as well.

HPD Traffic Units will be out as part of the Click it or Ticket program this week, so be sure to wear those seatbelts and also stay off the cell phones.

BRINSON LAW LICENSE SUSPENDED, MORE TROUBLES COMING

As reported here first last week, former Hartford City Councilman and now former attorney, Corey Brinson has had his law license suspended by the State of Connecticut. You can read the original posting here https://wethepeoplehartford.blogspot.com/2016/11/more-trouble-for-former-hartford.html

The suspension order was signed on November 10, 2016 by Superior Court Judge, the honorable  Antonio Robaina. The suspension is apparently effective immediately and the Court appointed a trustee to oversee Brinson's accounts and client funds.

 The suspension would seem to be the least of Brinson's worries now though. Brinson is allegedly embroiled deep in a federal investigation over Federal Charges of alleged money laundering, stock fraud  and other illegal schemes involving millions of dollars You can read more about the Federal allegations in this article in the Journal Inquirer http://m.journalinquirer.com/mobile/article_e2f1cb7e-a666-11e6-980d-3b8a69ac1b87.html

According to sources familiar with the Federal investigation, it is expected that Brinson will plead guilty to charges resulting from the investigation. That guilty plea will also apparently involve incarceration in a Federal Prison , according to sources, for potentially 2 years. That plea could be as soon as next week in Hartford Federal Court.

The choice of the trustee is also somewhat surprising. Judge Robaina appointed attorney Devaughn Ward as the trustee to oversee Brinson's matters. Devaughn Ward was recently apparently let go from Hartford City Hall where he served as the Inter-Governmnetal Affairs Liasion for Mayor Luke Bronin for less than a year.

. Although Ward is supposed to bring some order to Brinson's financial affairs, Ward is currently subject of a lawsuit by People's Bank for a loan People's claims Ward defaulted on. Ward \has also apparently ignored court orders for weekly payments to People's Bank. Ward and his finanacial records will be the subject of an "EJD" hearing in December.

 EJD or Examination of Judgement Debtor  is a legal procedure that will force Ward to present all of his financial records to attorneys for People's bank to help determine why Ward has not repaid the loan and what financial means he has available to repay the loan, under oath and supervision of the Court. Hopefully Ward can have better control and management over Brinson's finances. You can read that order below for a better understanding of the EJD process

Also interesting is that even though Ward is a licensed attorney in Connecticut, he is not affiliated with an actual law firm and appears to operate out of his apartment at 55 Trumbull Street, as reflected in the documents on the Connecticut Judicial website.

You can read and review the Ward vs People's Bank complaint here http://civilinquiry.jud.ct.gov/CaseDetail/PublicCaseDetail.aspx?DocketNo=HHDCV156058463S

Brinson Suspension  on Scribd

Brinson Suspension Order  on Scribd

Brinson Suspension Order by kevinhfd on Scribd

Ward Ejd Order  on Scribd

FROM HPD: MORE GUNS OFF THE STREETS

On November 9, 2016 Hartford Police Department Detectives from the Vice and Narcotics Unit conducted a surveillance operation within the Branford Street area of Hartford. This was in direct response to the numerous and recent shooting incidents from the area.

While conducting surveillance, Detectives observed a known suspect who was recently involved in a shooting,

traveling in a vehicle which was involved in a hand to hand drug transaction. HPD Detectives covertly followed the suspect vehicle. Detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop after a traffic violation was observed and to further the investigate the possible drug transaction. During the M/V stop, the passenger was observed to have a handgun magazine protruding from the front of his pants. Both the operator and passenger were removed from the vehicle and both were found to be in possession of a loaded handgun. Both the passenger and operator were charged with various weapons charges, including possession of a stolen handgun.

Arrested: Williams, Johnathan 31yo, 23 Ashley Rd. Windsor, CT

Charges: Possession of a high capacity magazine, Failure to use traffic signal.

Arrested: Weaver, Johnathan 27yo,  123 East Morningside Rd. Bloomfield, CT

CHARGES: Carrying pistol w/o a permit, Weapons in a M/V, Possession stolen firearm, Possession high cap.

magazine, Possession of controlled substance.

(R) Recovered: (1) Ruger 9mm pistol, (12) rounds in the magazine. (Pistol permit holder/Williams).

(R/E) Recovered stolen: (1) Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, (9) rounds and a second loaded magazine containing 14 rounds. Stolen 6-30-2009 Westbrook Troop F

FROM HPD: HOW DO GUNS END UP ON HARTFORD'S STREET'S

On July 28, 2016, at approximately 10:28pm, Hartford Police Department Patrol Officers responded to the area of 146 Mather Street in response to a Shot Spotter activation reporting the detection of seven gunshots (HPD case 16-21465).

Detectives from the Hartford Shooting Task Force responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The  subsequent on scene investigation led to the development of a suspect, Felix Tosado, as the shooter. On the same date STF Detectives located Tosado at his residence, 68 Pliny Street, and during the investigation he was placed under arrest and charged in connection to the shooting. Further investigation led to the recovery of the firearm utilized

during the incident, a Berretta Tomcat .32 caliber handgun.

A second firearm, a Colt Task Force Corsair .45 caliber handgun, was also recovered. The recovered firearms were found to be reported stolen in connection to two separate incidents. STF Detectives developed information regarding Tosado illegally purchasing the firearms during two unknown dates in July of 2016. Detectives learned that Tosado purchased the guns from a person he knows only by the nickname "Electrical Man." Detectives also learned that “Electrical Man” is known to be drug dependent as he sold the firearms  to Tosado for a combined payment of narcotics and money on two separate occasions.

STF Detectives then initiated a secondary investigation in regards to the origin and illegal sale of the recovered firearms.

The recovered Beretta Tomcat .32 caliber handgun was found to have been stolen during a burglary that occurred in Bristol, CT sometime between the dates of July 19, 2016 and July 25, 2016. It was found that a suspect had been listed in the initial burglary investigation, Patrick Cistulli. Cistulli was found to be a convicted felon with an extensive arrest history who resides in Bristol, CT. The Hartford STF Detectives were able to further investigate the incident resulting in the positive identification of Cistulli as the suspect in the illegal firearm sales to Tosado.

On October 12, 2016, an arrest warrant was drafted and submitted to G.A. 14 charging Patrick Cistulli with

Illegal Transfer of a Firearm (2 counts), Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and Pistol without a Permit. The

arrest warrant was later approved by a Superior Court Judge with a judge set cash bond of $50,000.

On November 4, 2016, at approximately 1140 hours, a Hartford Police Community Service Officer observed a man

panhandling in the area of 255 Asylum Street. As the Community Service Officer approached the panhandler he immediately recognized the man to be Patrick Cistulli. The HPD CSO took Cistulli into custody without incident.

Patrick Cistulli was found to have two other active arrest warrants for larceny related charges with a combined

bond of $55,000. Cistulli was transported to the the HPD  PSC to complete the booking and processing procedures.

Cistulli declined to provide a statement in reference to the illegal firearm sales investigation and is currently

being held on a combined bond of $105,000.

Arrested: Patrick Cistulli (dob 3/6/87) of 78 Constance Lane, Bristol, CT

Charges: Illegal Transfer of a Firearm (2 counts), Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and Carrying a Pistol

without a Permit.

MORE TROUBLE FOR FORMER HARTFORD COUNCILMAN , ATTORNEY COREY BRINSON

On August 22,2016 I posted about former Hartford City Councilman and Hartford Attorney Corey Brinson apparently running afoul of Federal Authorities who had searched his home and office.You can read that posting here http://wethepeoplehartford.blogspot.com/2016/08/it-must-run-in-family.html

Now it seems that Brinson has more issues in the form of the State of Connecticut's Chief Disciplinary Counsel's move to suspend Brinson's law license. The details are below.

More on this as details from the suspension hearing are released