The Office of the Inspector General has taken over the investigation of an officer-involved shooting incident that occurred on New Britain Avenue in West Hartford. [Updated, Aug. 9, 2:30 p.m.]

By Ronni Newton

A West Hartford Police officer shot an individual during the course of an incident on New Britain Avenue near New Park Avenue on Tuesday at approximately 5 p.m., and police confirmed early Wednesday that the individual has died and the officer was transported to an area hospital for treatment and evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries.

While – according to protocol with officer-involved shootings – the investigation has now been taken over by the Office of the Inspector General, Capt. Daniel Moffo did confirm that early Wednesday that a West Hartford Police officer had discharged their firearm and struck an individual. Lifesaving efforts were provided at the scene, and the individual was transported to an area hospital but died of their injuries, he said in an email.

Further information about the individual who died, or the full extent of injuries, was not provided.

In a statement provided to We-Ha.com, Inspector General Robert J. Devlin, Jr. said Wednesday: “At this time, the Office of Inspector General is investigating the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday in West Hartford. Further information concerning the incident will be provided in the near future.”

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, New Britain Avenue remained closed to traffic in both directions between New Park Avenue and Hillcrest Avenue while the investigation continued. The road was reopened around 11:15 a.m.

West Hartford Mayor Shari G. Cantor released the following statement around noon on Wednesday regarding the police-involved shooting: “Any loss of life is tragic, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident. At this point, we do not believe any bystanders were seriously injured and there is no threat to the general public. I have full confidence that our police department will work together with state authorities to ensure that a comprehensive, transparent, and thorough investigation is conducted into this incident.”

Police have not confirmed a report by a witness who told We-Ha.com that the incident began when there was a disturbance at Pep Boys at 1000 New Britain Avenue. The witness said that police were already en route when an individual left Pep Boys and fled to Town Fair Tire at 980 New Britain Avenue, and stole a vehicle that was in the process of being worked on in a bay by Town Fair Tire employees.

During the incident, a vehicle crashed into an Eversource transformer on New Britain Avenue.

Witnesses said a suspect crashed a stolen vehicle in West Hartford Tuesday at approximately 5 p.m. in an incident that included an officer-involved incident now being investigated by Connecticut State Police. Photo credit: David Lemkuil

“There is no threat to the public at this time,” West Hartford Police said in a Facebook post Tuesday night. “We are asking you to avoid New Britain Ave. as it is closed between New Park Ave. and Hillcrest Ave.”

We-Ha.com will continue to provide further details as they become available. Please continue to check back for updates.

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