Hartford Man Sent To Jail For Gun Offenses: Feds

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man will spend just short of two years behind bars after being sentenced on firearms charges following a gang-related gunfight.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut, said Aaron Christian, 30, of Hartford, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm offense after a gang-related shootout.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2022, an unidentified shooter, who is suspected of being a member of a rival gang, opened fire at individuals who were standing in a parking lot outside of a memorial gathering in Hartford.

Avery said surveillance cameras at the location recorded at least nine individuals drawing firearms and some of them returned fire.

She said "Shot Spotter" technology recorded approximately 50 shots fired within approximately 90 seconds in and around the location and law enforcement recovered at least 31 shell casings.

It was alleged Christian was present at the memorial gathering and was recorded on video firing at the fleeing assailant, Avery said.

Following the shooting, Hartford police obtained a warrant for Christian’s arrest.

On July 14, 2022, officers encountered Christian standing with others outside of a smoke shop located at 390 Franklin Ave. in Hartford, according to Avery.

Authorities said, as officers approached, Christian fled and attempted to throw a handgun onto the roof of the business, but the gun struck the awning of the business and fell to the sidewalk.

Christian was apprehended and officers recovered a loaded Ruger Model LCP .380 pistol from the sidewalk, according to Avery.

Officials said Christian’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug, larceny, and threatening offenses.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Christian has been detained since his arrest. On July 14, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

State charges against Christian related to his conduct on April 18, 2022, are pending.

For the full federal announcement, click on this link.