Man Dies After Shooting at Walmart Parking Lot During Drug Deal: Police

HARTFORD, CT - A New Britain man was killed after being shot in the Walmart parking lot during a drug transaction in Hartford Monday, police said.

According to police, a Hartford police officer assigned to the private duty job at the shopping center was alerted by Walmart employees that someone was shooting in the parking lot. The victim was found in the parking lot suffering from suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his lower torso.

The male victim was transported to Hartford Hospital where was pronounced deceased at approximately 4 a.m. The victim was identified as Larry Williams, 34, of New Britain.

On Friday, police were contacted by a man, identified as Kenneth Reid ,26, of Windsor. Reid told police he was involved in the shooting in the Walmart parking lot and that he shot Williams in self-defense during a drug transaction, police said.

• Click here to sign up for newsletters and real time news alerts from the Hartford Patch.

Reid told police there was a shotgun inside his white Saturn SUV that was used against him by the victim, police said. Officers located the SUV and secured the shotgun. Reid also directed officers to the handgun used in the shooting (a 9mm), that was in his cousin's apartment. Police were able to secure the handgun.

Reid was in possession of a valid Connecticut Firearms permit, police said.

After investigating overnight, detectives were able to develop probable cause to arrest and charge Reid with one count of murder. Reid's bond was set at $1.5 million and he was scheduled to be arraigned Hartford Superior Court Tuesday morning.

The investigation is still ongoing and police anticipate additional charges and arrests. Anyone with information is asked to call the Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Div: Sgt Reggie Early at (860) 757-4248.

Booking photo of Kenneth Reid courtesy Hartford Police