WE DON'T NEED "THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS" FOR SHOOTING VICTIMS, WE NEED ENFORCEMENT OF GUN LAWS

Jose Rivera-Cruz

It seems that every time we have another tragic shooting, politicians, including our two US Senators, can't wait to run to the nearest television camera to remind us that their "thoughts and prayers" are with the victims  and their families and that they will work hard to pass gun control legislation.

I just want to mention to them, the issue is not more gun legislation.The answer is to strongly start enforcing the legislation we already have on the books with serious accountability for violating gun laws.

Look at the case this weekend of Jose Rivera Cruz. Rivera -Cruz has been arrested and released at least six times over the last few months  on charges that included illegal weapons charges and other crimes of violence

Rivera-Cruz was arrested on Halloween evening less than three weeks ago on Bond Street while he was in possession of a Colt M-15 rifle, a stolen 9mm Glock handgun, 366 bags of heroin/fentanyl, 6 grams of crack cocaine, 4 suboxone films, and 37 rounds of live ammunition. He has since been released on bond. 

Last night  information was obtained that Mr. Rivera-Cruz was once again in the area of Bond Street and armed with a firearm. A motor vehicle stop was initiated for motor vehicle violations, at which point Mr. Rivera-Cruz engaged police in a short vehicle and foot pursuit which ended in the area of 250 Columbus Blvd.  Mr. Rivera-Cruz was in possession of a handgun at the time of his arrest.  He is currently in custody and being interviewed by members of the Felony Violence Reduction Team.  Motor vehicle and firearm charges will be applied shortly.

 At 4:59pm Saturday, members of the Hartford Police Department arrested Mr. Jose Rivera-Cruz in the area of Columbus Blvd after a short motor vehicle and foot pursuit. 

Rivera-Cruz is currently being held on a $1.2 million bond stemming from the following charges: 

 

     Reckless Driving 

     Evading Responsibility (2 Counts)

     Criminal Mischief 3 (2 Counts) 

     Misuse of Plates 

     Failure to Renew Registration 

     Failure to Carry Insurance Card

     Criminal Trespass 3

     Interfering with Police 

     Weapons in a Motor Vehicle 

     Criminal Possession of Pistol/Revolver 

     Carrying Pistol with out Permit 

     Engaging Police in Pursuit 

If the Hartford County   States Attorney is incapable or unwilling to come down hard  on gun crimes, then maybe there needs to be a change to someone that will. The case of Rivera -Cruz is a perfect example of a threat that does not deserve to be out in public terrorizing our neighborhoods. No good can possibly come from a drug dealer roaming the streets, running from the Police, in possession of an assault rifle.

A long jail sentence should be proper and just for someone like Jose Rivera-Cruz