"WE THE PEOPLE" PROGRAM ON DEMAND LINK

This link will take you to our "We the People" program on Hartford Public Access. Their new "video on demand" feature is up and running and our February 1, 2016 program is available there.

The first thirty seconds or so of audio is before we actually went on the air, and didn't realize our microphones were live, luckily we were being nice and nothing bad was said.

HARTFORD PARKING BAN AT 6:00PM

TODAY AT 6:00 P.M.: MAYOR BRONIN DECLARES SNOW EMERGENCY PARKING BAN

— NEWS AND COMMUNITY STATEMENT—

(February 5, 2016) Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin has declared a snow emergency parking ban for the City of Hartford, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2016 and ending at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2016. All Hartford District Public School will parking lots will be available for parking.  However, cars must be moved by noon on Saturday.

“With heavy snow falling throughout the day and temperatures plummeting tonight, it’s critical that we allow our DPW team to clear the streets before we accumulate frozen material that’s difficult to plow," said Bronin. "This ban will allow us to plow curb to curb and get the streets cleared quickly.  I urge residents without off-street parking to move their vehicles to one of our district school lots once the parking ban goes into effect.”

During a snow emergency parking ban, all on-street parking is prohibited throughout the City of Hartford. Any vehicles not removed from City streets by the start of the parking ban will be ticketed and towed. Residents without access to off-street parking should move their vehicles to one of the following authorized parking areas before the start of the parking ban:

·         Colt Park – Warwarme Street Lot                 

·         Dillon Stadium – Curcombe Street Lot     

·         Elizabeth Park – Asylum Street                  

·         Elizabeth Park – Prospect Avenue            

·         Goodwin Park – Hubbard Avenue            

·         Goodwin Park – Maple Ave. Golf Course                     

·         Keney Park – Woodland Street            

·         Keney Park – Ridgefield Street             

·         Pope Park –Park Terrace Lot   

·         2 Holcomb Street Lot

·         80 Coventry Lot

·         KDA Center Lot – Naugatuck Street            

·         All Hartford District School Parking Lots. For a complete list, visit www.hartfordschools.org/schools and select “District.”

Residents should remove their vehicles from the lots promptly following the end of the parking ban. Residents whose vehicles are towed during the parking ban should contact the Hartford Police Department at (860) 757-4000. The cost for retrieving a towed vehicle is $93.59. An additional $99.00 ticket will be issued, which owners are responsible for paying before the answer date. Please visit http://www.hartford.gov/snow-parking for a list of snow emergency parking locations, and for information regarding towed vehicles. 

FROM HPD; HEROIN, GUNS AND AN ASSAULT RIFLE, NOT A GOOD COMBO

 

WEAPONS FOR HUNTING PURPOSES ONLY, I AM SURE

On February 3^rd 2016 Hartford Police Department Vice and Narcotics Detectives were attempting to execute a search warrant at the second floor residence of 112 Ward Street.

Prior to executing the search warrant, HPD Vice and Narcotics Detectives developed information that the target of the search warrant (Abdul Callwood) was in the area 277 Buckingham Street with a large amount of heroin. Investigators located Callwood at the mentioned location and seized (1497) bags of heroin (Packaged for street level sales).

At the Buckingham Street location Callwood and a Hispanic female (identified as Kristine Thompson 4-21-92) were arrested for several narcotics related charges. Information was further developed during the course of the investigation that Thompson was "stashing" and packaging heroin at the Flamingo Inn hotel, located in Windsor, Connecticut. Detectives were able to identify a room at the Flamingo Inn and with the invaluable assistance from the Windsor Police Department, as well as Hartford STF members, Vice and Narcotics Detectives were able to search the motel room.

Inside the room, investigators located (18) grams of "raw" heroin and numerous amounts of packaging materials. (Officers from the Windsor Police Department took custody of the drugs at the Inn and will be applying for an arrest warrant/further charges for Thompson at a later time).

Investigators then executed the search warrant at 112 Ward Street (Callwood’s residence). During the execution of the search warrant, a loaded .40 caliber firearm, a loaded .25 caliber firearm, a loaded SKS assault rifle (stolen out of Oregon), numerous rounds of ammunition, (64) grams of "raw" heroin and numerous amounts of packaging material were located. The target (Callwood), who is a convicted felon, was placed under arrest for numerous narcotics and firearms related charges. Callwood also had an outstanding warrant for narcotic related offense.

During the course of the investigation Detectives were able to obtain a total of 1800 bags of heroin from the target at the 3 locations.

Hartford Police Vice and Narcotics Detectives were assisted by the HPD Special Operations Group, Hartford Shooting Task Force, South Conditions Unit.

Hartford STF members from the CT State Police and Windsor Police Department also provided direct and valued assistance to this operation.

8 previous

Arrest: Abdul Callwood 41 of 112 Ward Street (Convicted Felon)

CHARGES:

1.       Possession of an Assault Weapon

2.       Criminal Possession of a Firearm (3 counts)

3.       Possession of High Capacity Magazine

4.       Possession of Stolen Firearm

5.       Possession of Narcotics (3 Counts)

6.       Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell (4 Counts)

Bond $350k (Windsor Arrest Warrant Pending)

Arrest: Kristine Thompson 23 of Windsor CT

CHARGES:

1.       Possession of Narcotics

2.       Conspiracy Sale of Narcotics

3.       Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell

Evidence:

One brown and black SKS 7.62 assault rifle and UTG rifle scope & High capacity mag

One black CZ 75, model P07 .40 caliber semiauto handgun

One black Beretta, model 21A .25 caliber semiauto handgun

64 grams raw Heroin

1800 bags packaged

Heroin packaging material

numerous live rounds

I REALLY AM GETTING TIRED OF THIS

I really am not sure why some people feel that they can disrespect anyone with a disability by parking in a posted Disabled Parking space.

I have posted before about Hartford Police cruisers parked in a posted Disabled Parking Space.http://wethepeoplehartford.blogspot.com/2011/07/wrong-wrong-wrong-and-finallywrong.html

I have posted about the State Representative in the Dunkin Donuts disabled spot for convenience , who was in a hurry to get his afternoon coffeehttp://wethepeoplehartford.blogspot.com/2015/01/dont-dent-my-shiny-bmw.html

People parking in disabled spots without a permit has been one of my pet peeves for a while. (To be politically correct, they aren't referred to as "Handicap spots" any more, they are disabled persons parking spots)

Even more recently, it was reported that the Commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Public Protection (used to known as the State Police Commissioner) Doris Schriro was photographed parking in a disabled parking space at a State Police barracks, reportedly because she was in a hurry to catch a flight  from Bradley. Reportedly she made a donation to a non-profit that deals with the disabled, I guess that makes her indiscretion all right, too bad for the person that might actually need a disabled spot

But lets forget about political correctness, lets focus on human decency. I was extremely disgusted today when I went for a medical appointment at  the Armory Medical Building on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford. The posted disabled parking spaces at the front of the building were all occupied by vehicles properly displaying the disabled hang tag permits, as required by law.

That is all except the UPS truck taking a disabled space for his deliveries, as shown in the pictures above. There is no excuse for such ignorance. Since having my stroke last July, I would gladly give up my disabled parking space and permit to be able to walk the length of a parking lot to get inside.

Those spaces are designated for a reason and I don't think the reasons include making it more convenient to get your afternoon  coffee or being able to make our UPS deliveries quicker.

I just hope none of you, or anyone you care about, needs a disabled parking space for legitimate reasons, then you might just appreciate why they are there.

MORE FROM HPD

On Monday, February 2, 2016, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the Manchester Police Department developed information that a male identified as, William Jusino, 23, of Manchester, CT was hiding out at the residence of 29 Williams Street, third floor, in Hartford.  Manchester PD held an active felony warrant for Jusino for both Robbery 1st with a Firearm & Assault 2nd Degree.  Members of the HPD Shooting Task Force, HPD/US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and Manchester Police Department, went to 29 Williams Street (3rd floor), and initiated contact.  The door was opened by a female who admitted that Jusino was inside; He was located hiding under a bed in the master bedroom and was secured without incident.  A search of the apartment yielded a firearm and narcotics.  An active Judicial Protective Order was in place, which prohibits Jusino from being in contact with the female resident with the following conditions CT03- Stay away from the home of the protected person and wherever the protected person resides, CT05- Do not contact the protected person in any manner, CT07- The (accused individual) Jusino is prohibited from possessing and / or purchasing a firearm or other weapons and CT16- Stay 100 yards from the protected person.  Jusino was transported to the Hartford Police Department Booking facility for processing procedures.  Jusino was held on a $600,000 bond.  The Manchester warrant carried a $500,000 dollar bond and will be served at GA14.  The following listed items were seized as evidence:

Evidence:

One Kel-Tec .380 caliber, Model P3AT Auto Pistol with obliterated serial number, containing one magazine with six live .380 caliber rounds

Nine live .380 Caliber rounds

One clear plastic bag containing a white rock like substance, approximate weight of 2.7 Grams (tested positive for Cocaine)

One small plate containing white rock like substances, approximate weight of 0.6 Grams (tested positive for Cocaine)

One plastic "zip loc" bag containing green leafy substance (tested positive for presumptive presence of THC)

One bottle of gun cleaning solution & gun cleaning rod

Arrested: William Jusino, 23, of Manchester, CT (Convicted Felon)

Charges:

1.      Violation of a Protective Order

2.      Criminal Possession of a Firearm

3.      Obliterated Serial Number

4.      Criminal Possession of Ammunition

5.      Possession of Narcotics

6.       Possession of Narcotics within 1500ft of School

FROM HPD

On Monday, February 1, 2016, at approximately 4:10 p.m., members of the Hartford Police Special Operations Group executed a valid search and seizure warrant at 34 Greenfield Street.  Two illegal firearms, ammunition, marijuana, and a large quantity of crack cocaine were seized.  $1431.00 dollars in cash was also seized as suspected drug proceeds.  Jahmar Maddox, 34, of Hartford, CT a Convicted Felon, was charged with criminal firearms and narcotic violations.  One of the illegal firearms was reported stolen from Massachusetts and the second had a partially obliterated serial number.  Maddox was the reported victim of an armed robbery with a firearm on Enfield Street earlier on this date at 3:56 a.m. 

Evidence:

One Glock 23 semi-automatic pistol with a partially obliterated serial number

One Ruger GP100 .357 caliber revolver

(122) grams of Crack Cocaine (Packaged for street sale)

(7) grams of Marijuana

(540) total live ammunition rounds ( .40 , .357, & .38 caliber assorted)

$1431.00 dollars in U.S. Currency in suspected drug proceeds

Various drug packaging materials

(3) Ammunition speed loaders

Two ammunition cans

Arrested: Jahmar Maddox, 34, of Hartford, CT (Convicted felon, several times, with 15 Previous Hartford Arrests)

Charges:

1.      Criminal Possession of a Firearm (2 Counts)

2.      Theft of a Firearm

3.      Obliterated Serial Number

4.      Possession of Narcotics

5.      PWITS Narcotics

6.      PWITS within 1500 feet of a School Zone

7.       Possession of a Controlled Substance

OFF TO A GOOD START, LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT

It looks like Hartford's new Fire Chief Reginald Freeman and his interim Assistant Chief Frank Costello hit the ground running today.  After being sworn in at City Hall this morning, they both began the work of rebuilding the Hartford Fire Department.

I remain very optimistic after a message I received from a Hartford Firefighter this afternoon.

The message was short, but it said quite a lot;

"Chief Freeman and Chief Costello came around the Firehouse today. It meant a lot to the guys"

Little things can make a big difference. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Continued progress and success Chief Freeman to you and your team

YARD GOATS BURGLAR APPREHENDED

Throughout the months of August and September 2015, there had been numerous burglary and larceny related crimes reported by contractors working at the Dunkin Donuts Baseball Stadium. Through diligent investigative efforts by the Hartford Police Department Central Burglary Detectives, along with the assistance of HPD Patrol Officers, investigators were able to identify and locate the suspect. During the course of the burglaries it was learned that the suspect ate and drank food within the construction trailers. From this, investigators were able to locate significant DNA evidence. With the assistance of the State Lab a profile was identified. Detectives interviewed the suspect who was already incarcerated on unrelated burglary charges. The suspect gave a detailed voluntary statement detailing each of the burglaries at this location.

Detectives completed four separate burglary warrants under case numbers 15-25779, 15-26668, 15-27842,

and 15-28194.

Accused: Leon, Felix 39 of Belden St. Hartford, CT. (Convicted Felon with 4 previous Hartford arrests)

Charges:

1.       Criminal Attempt Burglary 3rd (1)ct

2.       Burglary 3rd (8)cts

3.       Criminal Mischief 3rd (11)cts

4.       Larceny 3rd (2)cts

5.       Larceny 2nd (2)cts

6.       Criminal Trespass 3rd (1)ct

ANOTHER ONE FOR PATROL

JAVON HUTLEY

On Sunday, January 31, 2016, at approximately 3:41 p.m., Hartford Police Department Patrol Officers were dispatched to 453 Albany Avenue in response to a 911 call where a female could be heard screaming in the background.  Upon Officers arriving, a female could be heard screaming on the 3rd floor.  HPD Officers were able to gain access to the apartment and locate the female; and were also successful in locating the accused individual who was found hiding in a bedroom.  When HPD Officers attempted to detain the accused, the accused resisted and a violent struggle ensued.  Officers on scene requested additional units, and a struggle could be heard over the air on the Patrol 1 channel.  Hartford Police Dispatchers fleeted a 10-0 "Officer in Trouble" tone over the air and multiple units arrived and took the accused into custody. The 10-0 was canceled by the on scene supervisor. No officers on scene were injured.

Arrested: Javon Hutley, 24, of New Britain, CT (9Previous Hartford Arrests)

Charges:

1.      Disorderly Conduct

2.      Criminal Violation of a Protective order

3.      Hindering Prosecution 2^nd degree

ONE FOR PATROL

GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ

On Sunday, January 31, 2016, at approximately 8:35 p.m., Hartford Police Patrol Officers observed a motor vehicle accident in the area of Albany Avenue and Main Street.  During the course of the investigation, HPD Patrol Officers found a Hi-Point .40 caliber handgun, containing six live rounds in the magazine and one chambered, 1300 bags of heroin, and $331.00 dollars in U.S. currency.  The Windham CT resident in possession of the items is a convicted felon.  HPD Shooting Task Force Detectives arrived on scene and Vice & Narcotic Detectives were also notified. 

Evidence:

1999 Chevy Lumina

Hi-Point .40 caliber handgun with seven live rounds

1300 bags of Heroin

$ 331.00 in U.S. Currency

Arrested: Gabriel Rodriguez, 28, of Windham, CT

Charges:

1.       Failure to drive in proper lane

2.       Operating M/V without a license

3.       Weapons in M/V

4.       Carrying pistol w/o permit

5.       Criminal possession of a pistol

6.       Possession of narcotics

7.       Possession within 1500' school

8.       Possession with intent to sell

 

WELCOME BACK CHIEF FREEMAN AND CHIEF COSTELLO

Tomorrow promises to begin the start of a new era of  management, accountability and professionalism for the Hartford Fire Department. The new beginning will include the new Chief of Department Reginald Freeman, appointed by Mayor Luke Bronin and the first permanent Assistant Chief appointed in several years, former Deputy Chief of Training Frank Costello.

Chief Freeman's first  day in office will be tomorrow, February 1, 2016, It will not be an easy road for Freeman to turn around a troubled department, but I think he has the management experience and more importantly the temperament to deal with the issues facing the Department.

One of Freeman's most important tasks will be to get the naysayers to put their individual agendas aside and commit to work together and rebuild the proud team that once was the Hartford Fire Department. It is a matter of leadership and think this team can provide that leadership

Chief Costello will also play a key role in that rebuilding, after being handpicked by Freeman. From everything I have heard and been told, Costello has an excellent reputation from his previous time with HFD, and is very knowledgeable and well equipped to handle his new role.

Again, welcome back Gentleman. And for those inclined to undermine the leadership of the new management team, please think twice. If you really care about your Department, and more importantly the nobility of your profession, put the agendas and personalities aside and make this work.

Too much depends on the future of HFD and the City of Hartford to play games with this.

UPDATE: 9:30PM- Frank Costello is apparently coming back for a 6 month period as  an acting Interim Assistant Chief.  This is apparently is the result of the  "Double Dipping" Ordinance that took effect January 1, 2016 limiting the time any retiree can return to City employment to 6 months and limits their salaries. The next Assistant Chiefs will have to come from current active members of the Department or be hired from outside to be considered permanent