West Hartford Police have charged a 31-year-old Hartford man in connection with damage to a home and vehicle by gunfire.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police said Tuesday that with the assistance of the Greater Hartford Auto Task Force, they have successfully tracked down and arrested a Hartford man by warrant in connection with an incident that occurred in West Hartford on Sunday, March 12.

Police said they responded Sunday to a report that a residence in West Hartford and an unoccupied vehicle appeared to have been damaged in a manner consistent with having been struck by gunfire. While there was no one at the residence when police arrived, they believe it was occupied when the shots were fired. There were no reported injuries.

Police investigation led to the development and identification of a suspect, and a warrant was obtained for Janile Anthony Cowan, 31, of Hartford. He was taken into custody Tuesday on charges of second-degree threatening, and is being held on court-set bonds that total $220,000.

Janile Anthony Cowan. Courtesy of West Hartford Police

Online court records indicate that Cowan was previously convicted of illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle in conjunction with a 2019 incident, and was given a two-year suspended sentence and two years of parole.

According to information police have obtained thus far, they said “this appears to be a targeted, isolated incident and there are no threats to the public.”

Sgt. Amanda Martin said that because the investigation is classified as a “family violence incident,” no further information will be released at this time.

The incident remains under active investigation, police said, and further criminal charges are possible.

Anyone who may have information related to the investigation is asked to contact the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203, or via the anonymous tip line 860-570-8969, or by email at [email protected].

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