VIDEO: Graphic video of West Hartford deadly officer-involved shooting of Mike Alexander Garcia released.
A suspected stolen vehicle thief killed by a West Hartford police officer following an incident was identified on Friday by the Office of Inspector General.
Town of West Hartford Press Release re: Mike Alexander Garcia Shooting
August 11, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT FROM WEST HARTFORD MAYOR SHARI G. CANTOR AND POLICE CHIEF VERNON L. RIDDICK REGARDING OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL INVESTIGATION INTO OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING IN WEST HARTFORD
(WEST HARTFORD, CT) The Office of Inspector General together with the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad, and the West Hartford Police Department are investigating the officer-involved shooting that took place on August 8, 2023 near 980 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT.
The Inspector General’s press release can be viewed here: Office of Inspector General
Investigating Police-Involved Use of Deadly Force in West Hartford on August 8. 2023
Preliminary Report of the Office of Inspector General Regarding Police-Involved Use of Deadly Force in West Hartford on August 8, 2023
“Any loss of life is tragic in such a difficult situation. The videos that have been released are undeniably hard to watch. Thankfully, Connecticut has been a national leader in developing a fair, independent, and transparent system for investigating police-involved shootings. I am confident that our Police Department will work together with state authorities to ensure that a comprehensive and thorough investigation is conducted into this incident.” – Mayor Shari
G. Cantor
“The West Hartford Police Department greatly appreciates and respects the obligation of the Inspector General’s Office to release this video footage to the public. This was a dangerous situation involving multiple attempted car jackings and I encourage the public and media to review all of the details of what the Inspector General’s Office has released. The West Hartford Police Department believes strongly in transparency, and in all facts being gathered and impartially evaluated. To that end, state law clearly places the Inspector General’s office as the lead investigative entity of this incident, and we will continue to fully cooperate with them as they conduct their work.” – Police Chief Vernon L. Riddick
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Media Contacts:
Shari Cantor, Mayor, [email protected]
Rick Ledwith, Town Manager, [email protected]
Vernon Riddick, Police Chief, [email protected]