Police officer killed, another injured in Hartford car crash with speeding vehicle.
Tragic Incident Claims the Life of a Heroic Police Officer
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a police officer lost his life and another was seriously injured on Wednesday night in Hartford, Connecticut. The officers were in their cruiser when a speeding car ran a red light while trying to escape a traffic stop, resulting in a devastating collision. The driver of the car has since been apprehended.
The fallen officer, Robert “Bobby” Garten, was a dedicated member of the Hartford police force for eight years. His father had also served as a detective on the same force before retiring. Officer Brian Kearney, who was driving the cruiser, sustained serious injuries but is currently in stable condition at a local hospital.
At a press conference, Mayor Luke Bronin expressed the deep sorrow felt by the community, the department, and the entire city. He spoke of Officer Garten’s love for the city and his unwavering commitment to serving it with courage, compassion, and exceptional skill.
Related Stories
According to Police Chief Jason Thody, Officer Garten was in the passenger’s seat while Officer Kearney was driving with their emergency lights and siren activated, responding to another call. Tragically, a car that had evaded a separate traffic stop crashed into the passenger’s side of their cruiser near downtown Hartford.
The driver of the car, 18-year-old Richard Barrington from Hartford, received medical treatment, was discharged, and subsequently arrested. He faces charges including failure to obey a traffic control signal, failure to renew registration, misuse of plates, and interfering with police. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation at this time.
Chief Thody revealed that other officers had initially pulled over Mr. Barrington after he ran a red light and discovered that his car’s registration had been canceled. As officers approached his vehicle, Mr. Barrington fled, running through multiple red lights before colliding with Officer Garten and Officer Kearney’s cruiser. Notably, the pursuing officers did not engage in a chase.
In a solemn procession, police transported Officer Garten’s body from the hospital to the chief medical examiner’s office in Farmington early Thursday morning. Governor Ned Lamont subsequently ordered all state and U.S. flags in Connecticut to be flown at half-staff in honor of Officer Garten’s memory.
Officer Garten, who grew up in nearby Wethersfield, had fond memories of attending Hartford Whalers NHL hockey games as a child and later enjoyed watching Hartford Yard Goats minor league baseball games as an adult. His loss is deeply felt by Mayor Bronin, Chief Thody, and the entire community.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...