Here is a media release that I received this morning from Hartford Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley.
The picture says all that is needed. This is what Hartford Police Officers encounter out on the streets on a regular basis. It is easy to understand why a Police Officer may not be all warm and fuzzy encountering residents knowing that this is what he or she may encounter. This encounter could have ended much differently, especially with the accused under the influence of Cocaine or PCP
Foley's words:
This is why we are careful and cautious when we approach people. The officer could not know if the person was hiding a weapon just by looking at him. The officer could not tell that the person with the rifle slung around his neck, hidden under his puffy jacket was a convicted felon just by looking at him. The officer could not have know that the person was on probation for armed robbery just by walking up to him. Just a regular HPD Patrol Officer investigating a minor motor vehicle complaint.
On April1 2015, a Hartford Police Department patrol officer was canvassing the area of Martin Street and Judson Street on a report of an erratic driver. The Officer pulled into the rear lot of 131 Martin Street and saw a car matching the description, backed into a parking spot, occupied by a male and a female. The Officer exited his vehicle and approached. The passenger, identified as Kevin Barco 29 of Hartford (Convicted Felon), was found to have an active arrest warrant and placed under arrest. During the pat down the Officer found the that Barco had a .22 caliber rifle slung around his neck. The modified rifle had the stock removed and was concealed by a heavy jacket. The Officer recovered the firearm and secured Barco. A second Officer who arrived on scene asked the female operator, identified as Geneveive Gallo 25, of East Hartford, to exit the vehicle and as she did a small bag containing crack cocaine fell from her clothing. Barco who is currently on probation for Robbery in the First Degree with a Firearm, was arrested on his outstanding warrant and additional firearms charges. Gallo was arrested on a narcotics charge. Both parties were debriefed by Shooting Task Force Detectives who were on scene.
Arrested 1) Kevin Barco DOB 4/7/84 131 Martin Street Hartford, CT.
Charges: Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of Ammunition, and Weapons in a Motor Vehicle. (Outstanding Warrant for Failure to Appear)
Arrested 2) Genevieve Gallo DOB 8/21/89 38 Crosby Street East Hartford, CT.
Charge: Possession of Narcotics
Evidence: (1) ISSC .22 Caliber sporting Rifle, containing 10 live .22 caliber ammunition rounds, and (1) plastic bag containing a
white powder substance (Cocaine).
Deputy Chief Brian J. Foley
Chief of Detectives, Investigative Services Bureau
Hartford Police Department
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