Hartford Crash Victim Had Been Stabbed: PD

HARTFORD, CT — Police responding to a motor vehicle accident on Main Street discovered the operator had been stabbed prior to the accident, and passed out prior to the crash before dying at a local hospital.

At 2:03 a.m., officers responded to the accident scene at 2995 Main Street, and in the course of their investigation, it was discovered the driver had been stabbed during an altercation at the Sunset Café, located at 3229 Main Street, Deputy Chief Brian Foley said.

The driver, Kemar Bennet, 29, of Hartford, was transported to Hartford Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition from bleeding as a result of stab wounds to the femoral artery and abdomen, Foley said.

A passenger was transported to St. Francis Hospital for treatment of a fractured skull and brain swelling injuries sustained from the accident, while three other passengers sustained non-life threatening injuries, Foley said.

A C4 camera captured an altercation between Bennet and an unknown suspect outside the Sunset Café. The unidentified suspect fled the area, Foley said.

Bennet succumbed to his injuries at the hospital; an autopsy will be performed to determine whether the cause of death was the stabbing, the accident or otherwise, Foley said.

The Hartford Police Department Major Crime Division is continuing the investigation and is canvassing for cameras and will be interviewing witnesses to identify the suspect, Foley said.

Photo credit: Hartford Police Department