Hartford Man Arrested in Connection With Armed Robbery

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man is being held on a half-million dollar bond following his arrest Wednesday on robbery and larceny charges pertaining to an online buying arrangement that resulted in a brutal armed assault.

Raekwon Gaines, 21, of 17 Barbour Street, was charged with first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, second-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny.

On March 11, 2017, at approximately 7:01 p.m., Hartford patrol officers responded to the area of 2621 Main Street in response to a report of an armed robbery and carjacking. The victim reported that he had arranged to meet with an unknown individual to purchase an i-Phone solicited on the on-line internet site "Offer Up," Deputy Chief Brian Foley said.

The victim was approached by three suspects, one of which produced a firearm. The armed suspect struck the victim with the firearm and took possession of various personal items, money, and the victim's vehicle. The victim received emergency medical care on scene for a head injury. Further investigation of the incident was later assigned to Major Crimes Division Detectives, Foley said.

Detectives were able to develop probable cause to charge Gaines in connection to the incident. An arrest warrant was drafted, and later approved by a Superior Court judge, Foley said.

Members of the Hartford Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force began actively investigating and attempting to locate Gaines. On June 7, 2017, intelligence was received that Gaines was present at 17 Barbour Street. A surveillance operation was conducted by HPD Detectives and USDM Perreault that subsequently led to the safe apprehension of Gaines without injury or incident, Foley said.

Photo courtesy of Hartford Police Department