NEWINGTON, CT — Two police officers were shot, and a 37-year-old man was killed during an exchange of gunfire in Newington following a pursuit that began with a report of an armed man in Hartford, according to a preliminary report released Wednesday by Connecticut's Office of Inspector General.
Hector Perez, 37, died after exchanging gunfire with officers from the Hartford and Rocky Hill police departments late Friday, Aug. 21, Inspector General Eliot D. Prescott said in the report.
Hartford Police Officer Alexander Diaz and Rocky Hill Police Officer Jonathan Escobar were struck by gunfire and taken to an area hospital for treatment, according to the report.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Perez died from gunshot wounds to his head, neck, torso and extremities and classified his death as a homicide. A toxicology analysis is pending.
The Office of Inspector General is investigating the officers' use of deadly force.
According to the preliminary investigation, members of the Hartford Police Department's Street Crime Unit were investigating a report at about 11:07 p.m. of a person brandishing a small handgun and threatening to shoot someone near Fales Street and Sisson Avenue.
At 155 Sisson Ave., Diaz encountered a man later identified as Perez, who fled on foot, according to the report.
Diaz pursued Perez and attempted to take him into custody.
During a brief struggle, Diaz felt what he described as something hard in Perez's waistband, investigators said.
Perez broke free, entered a black Honda Accord Crosstour and drove away, according to the report.
Diaz reported over police radio that the "guy tried to drag me with his car."
Diaz followed the Honda as it traveled through Hartford and continued south.
Information about the vehicle was provided to surrounding police departments, including Rocky Hill and Newington, whose officers assisted in the pursuit, according to the report.
At about 11:27 p.m., Perez stopped the Honda on Webster Street near Webster Court in Newington and again fled officers on foot, investigators said.
An unidentified female passenger also fled the vehicle and had not been identified as of Wednesday's preliminary report.
After a short foot pursuit, investigators said gunfire was exchanged between Perez and three officers:
Diaz and Officer Jocelyn Andino of the Hartford Police Department and Escobar of the Rocky Hill Police Department.
Diaz and Escobar were struck by gunfire and transported to a hospital, where they were treated for their injuries.
Perez was also struck by gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators recovered a small semi-automatic pistol near Perez's body, according to the report.
The Office of Inspector General released body-worn camera footage from Diaz and Escobar as well as video from Escobar's police vehicle.
Andino's body-worn camera was not activated during the incident, according to the report.
The Chief Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy Saturday, Aug. 22.
The inspector general's investigation remains ongoing, and a final report on the shooting, including whether the officers' gunfire was justified, is forthcoming.
For the preliminary Office of the Inspector General report, click on this link.
For Hartford Police Officer Alexander Diaz's body camera footage, click on this link.
For Rocky Hill Police Officer Jonathan Escobar's body camera footage, click on this link.
For Rocky Hill Police Officer Jonathan Escobar's dashboard camera footage, click on this link.
From Aug. 24: 'Fundraisers Launched For Hartford, Rocky Hill Officers Shot In Newington'
From Aug. 22: '2 Police Officers Shot, Suspect Dead After Exchange Of Gunfire: Police'
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