ShotSpotter Technology Helps Snare Men in Hartford Shooting

HARTFORD, CT - Two young men were arrested Tuesday night after a ShotSpotter activation reporting the detecting of four gunshots in an area that, until recently, had been unmonitored by that technology.

Yowseph Lopez, 22, of 95 Silver Lane, East Hartford, was charged with weapons in a motor vehicle, possession of a pistol without a permit, unlawful discharge of a firearm, first-degree reckless endangerment 1and possession of a high capacity magazine.

Anthony Braica, 21, of 183 Wethersfield Avenue, Apt. C-3, Hartford, was charged with weapons in a motor vehicle.

Around 8:24 p.m., police responded to the area of 110 Victoria Road in response to a ShotSpotter activation there. Officers were able to recover three .40 caliber Smith and Wesson casings in the roadway at the location, according to Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley.

Members of the Hartford Shooting Task Force responded to the location to assist in the ongoing investigation. Braica was located at his home, and an interview with him led to the development of a second person of interest, Lopez, and a vehicle description connected to the incident, Foley said.

Detectives relayed the suspect vehicle information, a black 2015 Kia Optima, to area patrol officers, and the vehicle was located unoccupied parked in the roadway of 14 Annawan Street. The vehicle would later be confirmed as the vehicle utilized during the shooting incident and seized as evidence. Lopez was located in the area of 14 Annawan Street a short time later, Foley said.

During separate interviews, Lopez and Braica both provided information as to their involvement in the shooting incident. It was stated that Lopez was driving the vehicle and Braica was in the passenger seat, and while passing 110 Victoria Road, Lopez discharged a firearm four times "into the air" as a result of an ongoing feud with an occupant of the residence known as "Bebo."

After the shots, the vehicle was left on Annawan Street and the parties fled the scene on foot. The firearm utilized during the incident was hidden behind a heater in the first floor common hallway of 183 Wethersfield Avenue, Foley said.

Detectives and officers responded to 183 Wethersfield Avenue and were able to recover the firearm, found to be a Glock model 22 .40 caliber firearm, color black, containing five live .40 caliber rounds.

Photos courtesy of Hartford Police Department