Shoplifting Suspect Threatens to Shoot Security Officer, Tries to Strangle K-9 Jett: West Hartford Police

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A 51-year-old Hartford man is accused of trying to strangle West Hartford Police K-9 Jett while trying to flee from police after allegedly shoplifting about 65 Polo shirts from Sears that were valued at more than $2,700, according to police.

Ezekiel Scott, of 873 West Boulevard, was arrested following the struggle with police on Tuesday.

Police responded to the Sears on New Britain Avenue at about 5:08 p.m. for the theft, in which the shoplifter verbally threatened to shoot a loss prevention officer while fleeing the store, according to a police report.

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The suspect(s) then fled the area in a 1997 tan Buick LeSabre with CT registration 9AVXG5.

West Hartford K-9 Officer Tom Lazure was off-duty and in his cruiser when he spotted the suspect vehicle on I-84 East and was able to follow the vehicle on to Sisson Avenue in Hartford where it stopped in traffic, according to the police report.

Lazure stopped the vehicle but the suspect then exited and fought with Lazure while he was attempting to take him into custody.

The suspect broke away but was soon apprehended by Lazure.

Police said Scott wrapped his hands around the neck of K-9 Jett and tried to strangle him while resisting arrest. Lazure freed Jett from the Scott’s grip and eventually brought him under control and arrested him, according to the report.

There were two other suspects in the car but they fled while Lazure was apprehending Scott.

Police are working to identify those suspects.

Scott sustained bite marks on his right forearm and was transported to St. Francis Hospital for treatment and released.

Lazure and K-9 Jett reported no injuries sustained in the incident.

Scott was arrested on charges of second-degree robbery, third-degree larceny, first-degree threatening, assault on a police officer, interfering with an officer and cruelty to animals. His bond was set at $25,000.

Scott made comments that "voices" told him to hurt Lazure and Jett, according to police.

Scott has previous 13 arrests and convictions for crimes including robbery, burglary, assault, and larceny, police said.

Pictured: Ezekiel Scott, 51, of Hartford / West Hartford Police Department photo