NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 25, 2004
 

TWO HPD VICE & NARCOTICS DETECTIVES SHOT, ONE SUSPECT FATALITY IN SEARCH & SEIZURE OPERATION ON ZION STREET.

(HARTFORD) -  At approximately 5:00 p.m. today, Tuesday, May 25, 2004, Detectives of the Hartford Police Department's Vice and Narcotics Division were executing a search and seizure warrant at 461 Zion Street when gunfire erupted.  Upon entry Detectives were immediately under gunfire, at which time they returned fire. 

As a result of the incident, two Hartford Police Vice and Narcotics Detectives received gunshot wounds.  The Detectives, Nestor Caraballo and Jose Santiago, veteran HPD Detectives with fourteen (14) years and ten (10) years respectively on the job, were wearing bullet proof vests at the time.  Both were transported to Hartford Hospital where they were treated and released.   

Also injured by gunfire was one of the suspects, who was transported to Hartford Hospital where he was pronounced dead.  Two other individuals are being questioned by Detectives of the HPD's Major Crimes Division, the lead investigators of the incident.  The identity of the deceased is not yet confirmed. 

Also injured by gunfire during the operation was a dog. The animal has been transported to a veterinary hospital for treatment and is in stable condition.  The owners of the dog have not been identified.

In commenting on the incident, Vice and Narcotics Commander, Lieutenant Harold Even, stated, "These highly skilled, highly trained professionals put their lives on the line each and every day.  It is a testament to their skill level that in ninety-nine percent of the hundreds of search and seizure warrants executed each year there is no gunfire." 

Acting Hartford Police Chief Mark Pawlina stated, "These Narcotics Detectives put their lives on the line everyday.  They do a very dangerous job on behalf of the residents of the city.  They are true heroes for what they do.  The bravery of Detective Santiago and Detective Caraballo should be recognized by all Hartford residents."

Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 543-8746 or (860) 550-1025; nmulroy@ci.hartford.ct.us.
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