Thursday, May 17, 2018

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR HPD TONIGHT

FROM DEPUTY CHIEF FOLEY:



A veteran Hartford Police Officer was critically injured today responding to a disturbance that was related to property damage involving a landlord and tenant. Below are the details as they have been reported to HPD Major Crimes Detectives:


On Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 9:40am Hartford Police Department patrol officers responded to the apartment building at 5 Constitution Plaza on the report of a disturbance involving a female tenant of the building. On arrival, Hartford Police Department patrol unit #12, made contact with the suspect (Female- Chevoughn Augustin) on the 9th floor. At some point during the investigation a struggle ensued and the suspect knocked the officer to the ground, grabbed a large ceramic kitchen knife, placed her in a choke hold and began stabbing the officer in the neck. The officer managed to radio for assistance.

A 10-0 (Officer in distress/Emergency call) was initiated and all available HPD officers responded to the location. Building management and maintenance workers were in the immediate area, heard the struggle, and came to assist the officer. The maintenance workers were able to subdue and disarm the suspect. Back-up officers arrived and began immediate bleeding control and life-saving measures. Back-up officers carried the officer down to an awaiting ambulance. The officer was bleeding badly from the neck and unable to communicate. Back-up officers also secured the suspect and knife. The injured officer was taken to Hartford Hospital ED.


HPD Major Crimes Division and Crime Scene Division detectives responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.


The suspect was taken to St. Francis Hospital and treated for a minor laceration to her hand. Upon release she was taken to the Hartford Police Department Major Crimes Division. The suspect was interviewed and was cooperative with HPD detectives. Following the interview the suspect was taken to HPD booking and charged with Criminal Attempt Murder; Assault 1st, Assault on a Police Officer and Criminal Mischief 3rd. She is currently being held without bond.


Chevoughn Augustin 11/30/78 5 Constitution Plaza Apt. 903

(Note: the accused has aliases and detectives are working to confirm her identity)


The officer was immediately listed in critical condition with her jugular and trachea lacerated. Hartford Hospital doctors took the officer to surgery. The officer is out of surgery and in the ICU currently listed in critical/stable condition. The officer’s family is with her and has asked that her name not be released until arraignment, as they work to notify extended friends and family. 

Building management and the maintenance workers were interviewed by MCD detectives. Major Crimes detectives confirmed, if not for their immediate intervention, this scenario would have been fatal.


At the request of HPD and the Officer's family, I will not be posting her name at this time, but please keep her in your thoughts and prayers during this critical period in her recovery. And please keep the rest of our Police Officer's and first responders in your prayers during these difficult times.