Police: Swung at by Robber, Cop Decided Not to Shoot

Manchester Police Officer Brian Hagan had drawn his gun when the robber charged at him, swinging a liquor bottle, police said.

Hagan could have fired it at the suspect who was obviously a physical threat, but Hagan dodged the blow and holstered his weapon, according to a report in the Hartford Courant citing town police.

The robber, who had a mask over his face, ran off, east on Bissell Street, with Hagan in pursuit. Hagan was able to get him on the ground and was helped by fellow officers in taking into custody James Trinks, 50. Police found unopened packages of cigarettes and some liquor bottles on Trinks.

Hagan had been called to the scene after an 11:50 p.m. report on Saturday that a man was smashing in the front door of Fred’s Package Store on Spruce Street. Trinks was charged with attempt to assault a police officer, burglary and other charges related to burglary. He was initially held on $50,000 bond.

For more details, see the Hartford Courant article.