NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  Thursday, February 17,  2005
 

HARTFORD POLICE MAKE ARRESTS IN THREE SHOOTINGS; SEIZE SAWED-OFF SHOT GUN AND CRACK COCAINE IN SEPARATE INVESTIGATIONS.

(Hartford) - In the span of three days Hartford Police have made five (5) significant arrests resulting in the  apprehension of  three shooting suspects, the seizure more than 35 grams of crack cocaine, and removal of a dangerous weapon from city streets.

ARREST OF ALMAR STERLING

Today, February 17th, at 5:50 a.m., officers of the HPD Patrol Division, based on an anonymous tip, developed information on the location of Almar Sterling, AKA Lamar Sterling, DOB 7/1/80, of Winterberry Lane, Bloomfield, in the area of May Street, Hartford.  Sterling eventually turned himself in to Hartford Police Headquarters at 50 Jennings Road.  Sterling was charged with assault in the first degree, criminal use of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a permit.  His bond is set at $200,000, and he remains in police custody.  Sterling is a suspect in the February 16th, 2005 shooting in a parking lot at 3281 Main Street, Hartford, where a male victim sustained gunshot wounds to his right forearm and left thigh.

ARREST OF KEYON SHAW

Also today Hartford Police made an arrest in the February 14, 2005 shooting that occurred at 949 Albany Avenue.  On February 15, 2005, Detective Robert Davis of the HPD Major's Crimes Division was conducting a follow up investigation of the shooting incident when he developed information leading to the identify of Keyon Shaw, DOB 3/31/87, of 127 Magnolia Street, Hartford as the suspect in the case.  Shaw was taken into police custody in the area of 949 Albany Avenue by Hartford Police detectives and patrol officers, and charged with assault in the first degree, conspiracy to assault in the first degree, criminal attempted robbery in the first degree, criminal attempted murder, conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree, and carrying a pistol without a permit.  Shaw's bond is set at $750,000.

ARREST OF ERIC LITTLE

On February 15, 2005, Hartford Major Crimes Division Detective Andrew Weaver on information provided by the victim of a October 25, 2004, robbery and shooting  41 Warren Street, Hartford, identified Eric Little, DOB 12/15/86, of 277 Bellevue Street, Hartford as a suspect in the case.  On October 25, 2004, the victim, Dennis Randolph of East Hartford, a cab driver, was inside his cab when the suspect approached and demanded money, then produced a handgun and shot at the victim.  Randolph was transported to St. Francis Hospital by a witness in his cab and treated and released for a non-life threatening gunshot injury.  Little, apprehended by HPD Patrol units and transported to Hartford Police Headquarters, was charged with assault in the first degree, conspiracy to assault in the first degree, criminal attempted robbery in the first and unlawful discharge of a firearm.  His bond is at $250,000.

SEIZURE OF SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN

On February 16, 2005,  Detective Robert Nelson, an investigator assigned to the HPD's Major Crimes Division, saw a Black male, later identified as Deanre Newkirk, walking out of 224 Mather Street with an item concealed in a white T-shirt.  As a result of an investigation into the suspicious activity, Detective Nelson, with the support of members of the North-East Condition Unit, seized a sawed-off shotgun from Deandre Newkirk, DOB 7/12/84, of NCA (No Certain Address).  Newkirk was arrested and charged with possession of a sawed-off shotgun, operating a motor vehicle under suspension, and larceny in the sixth degree.  Arrested with Newkirk was Howard Hunter, DOB 5/1/82 of 90 Columbus Boulevard, East Hartford, and charged with possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with intent to sell (PWITS), and PWITS within 1,500 feet of a school.  Bond for Newkirk is set at $150,000 and for Hunter at $100,000. 

VICE AND NARCOTICS AND DEA TASK FORCE CONDUCT CRACK COCAINE DISTRIBUTION IN CITY'S NORTH DISTRICT.

Also on February 16, 2005, HPD Vice and Narcotics detectives assigned to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, conducting an investigation into crack cocaine distribution in the area of Vine and Magnolia streets in the city's North District.  As a result of the investigation detectives were able to intercept a large delivery of crack cocaine and arrest Gregory Cuyler, DOB 12/24/81, of 26 Vine Street, Hartford.  During the investigation 35 grams of crack cocaine and over $2,000 in United States Currency were seized.  Cuyler is charged with possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics within 1,500 feet of a school, PWITS, and interfering with police.  Cuyler's bond is set at $100,000.

In commenting on the impact of these arrests, HPD Assistant Chief Mark R. Pawlina, Chief of Detectives, stated, "The city of Hartford is a little bit safer now that these violent individuals have been removed from the streets.  I commend the tenacious efforts of the detectives and patrol officers in making these arrests."

Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 543-8746
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