Suspect In Hartford Police Stabbing Identified: UPDATED

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford police officer was critically injured in a stabbing incident Thursday morning at Constitution Plaza, authorities said. Deputy Chief Brian Foley said that an officer was "injured" and later confirmed it was a stabbing in the neck.

He said the female officer was investigating a disturbance on the ninth floor of 5 Constitution Plaza around 9:40 a.m. 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, Foley said.

Foley said maintenance workers heard the disturbance and pulled the suspect off the officer. Foley called those workers who came to her aid "heroes" and said they would be "rewarded" when it comes time to honor citizens.

Authorities said the officer, whose identity has not yet been released, was in surgery late Thursday morning at Hartford Hospital. Foley called her injuries "life-threatening" and "life altering." She was last reported in critical/stable condition with wounds in the tracheal and jugular areas, he said.

He called her a "tough cop" with crisis intervention training.

Around 6 p.m., Foley said the suspect, Chevoughn Augustin, 39, had been charged with criminal attempt to commit murder, first-degree assault, assault on a police officer and third-degree criminal mischief. She is currently being held without bond, the deputy chief said.

Foley added Augustin "has aliases and detectives are working to confirm her identity."

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said, "This morning, a Hartford Police Officer sustained severe stab wounds while in the line of duty. She is in critical condition and we will update the public later today. We ask the entire Hartford community to keep the officer in their thoughts and prayers."

Gov. Dannel Malloy said, "Our prayers are with the HPD officer who was injured in the line of duty this morning. We are sending our best wishes to her for a speedy recovery."

At about 2 p.m. Foley sent out a warning about a potential scam regarding donations for the officer and her family.

"No Hartford Police organizations are actively seeking donations on behalf of the the officer injured in today’s attack. This is likely a scam. Please report to HPD," he said.

Photo courtesy of Hartford Police Department

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