Police Excessive Force Investigation Launched for Hartford/West Hartford Pursuit

HARTFORD, CT- Police and other criminal justice officials are investigating a possible excessive use of force during a police chase that went through Hartford and West Hartford June 4.

The pursuit involved Hartford, West Hartford and State Police.

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The pursuit started after a Hartford officer determined a car was stolen and attempted to pull it over, said Hartford Deputy Chief Brian Foley. The car sped away on Hartford streets and the pursuit ended in West Hartford after stop sticks were used to disable the vehicle.

Officers used force including Tasers to arrest the two vehicle occupants. Both arrestees apparently sustained facial injuries at some point, Foley said.

"The exact circumstances of each arrest are as yet unknown, but a West Hartford Police cruiser camera appears to show a police officer kicking or stomping one of the arrestees after that person was handcuffed," Foley said.

Hartford Police have launched an internal investigation and contact was made with West Hartford Police, State Police and hte Connecticut State Attorney's office.

The State Attorney's office will conduct an investigation and determine if criminal charges are warranted.