Shots Fired Incident In West Hartford Leads To Brief Standoff

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A West Hartford resident was arrested early Friday morning after a brief stand-off with police in connection with a shots-fired incident at his home, authorities said.

The incident was reported at 1:09 a.m. at 55 Fairlawn St.

Officers located a shell casing on the porch of the residence and believed a resident of the home — 39-year-old John Cassidy — fired several rounds from a gun on the property, according to an incident report.

There were no reported injuries.

When officers attempted to make contact with Cassidy, he was initially uncooperative and area residents were evacuated, according to a report. The West Hartford Emergency Services Unit, New Britain Police Department and Farmington Police Department responded to assist and, after a short time, Cassidy exited the residence and was taken into custody, according to a report.

Cassidy was charged with:

• Criminal possession of a pistol/revolver
• Illegal discharge of a firearm
• Criminal use of a weapon
• First-degree reckless endangerment
• Second-degree criminal mischief
• Second-degree breach of peace

He was held overnight on a $250,000 surety bond and was to be transported to Hartford Superior
Court for arraignment later Friday.

The West Hartford Detective Division is still actively investigating what it is considering to be an isolated incident. Anyone with information on the case can contact the WHPD at the main number, 860-523-5203, the anonymous tip line at 860-570-8969 or at the confidential email tip line; whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.