Teen With Semi-Automatic Weapon Chased Down in Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — A 16-year-old armed with a loaded semi-automatic firearm was arrested Friday night after a foot chase in Hartford.

The juvenile,whose name was not released due to his age, was charged with possession of a firearm without a permit, possession of a high capacity magazine and weapons in a motor vehicle. He was referred to juvenile court, Deputy Chief Brian Foley said.

The incident began at 9:18 p.m., when officers assigned to a "Hotspot" detail in the city's North End observed a 2016 Toyota Camry traveling in the center of the road at a high rate of speed southbound on Barbour Street. Upon conducting a motor vehicle stop, an occupant exited the vehicle and fled towards Unity Plaza, with officers pursuing on foot, Foley said.

As the suspect ran through the parking lot, he removed a firearm from his waistband and continued to hold it in his hand while running from officers. With the help of numerous assisting officers, the teenage suspect was eventually taken into custody in the area of 281 Barbour Street, Foley said.

A firearm with 13 live rounds was recovered on scene, the deputy chief added.

The suspect has been arrested three previous times, and is also a suspect in other felony crimes. He was also the victim of a shooting at age 14, Foley said, adding, "HPD is invested in finding intervention and services for this juvenile. We will also turn to our community partners for assistance in rescuing this child."

Photo courtesy of Hartford Police Department