NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: June 18, 2004
 

HPD PATROL DIVISION AND NORTH CRD SEIZE THREE PISTOLS AND 500 BAGS OF HEROIN.

(Hartford) - Overnight, in three separate incidents, Hartford Police Patrol Units and the North Community Response Division seized three handguns, 500 bags of heroin, and made two arrests in three separate incidents.

In response to the recent escalation of gun violence in the area, at approximately 6 p.m., on Thursday, June 17, 2004, the North Community Response Division (CRD) targeted an enforcement operation at 8 Center Street and 254 Albany Avenue.  As a result of the operation HPD Officers seized five hundred (500) bags of heroin found in a vacant, unsecured apartment.  Also located in the courtyard area of the property was a Ravens Arms .25 semi auto pistol concealed within a BBQ grill.  Three (3) off road motorcycles were found unsecured in the courtyard and towed as suspected stolen vehicles.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., on Thursday, June 17, 2004, HPD North CRD units were in the Bedford Street area when they observed an individual trespassing at 64 Bedford Street.  Sergeant Garth Perri reported when Officer Richard Salkeld  stopped the suspect he was found to be in possession of a loaded .22 caliber derringer, crack cocaine and marijuana, both packaged for street sale.  The suspect, Michael Mayo, DOB 2/12/83, of 35 Mahl Avenue, was arrested without incident and charged with Criminal Possession of a Pistol, Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance Within 1,500' of a School, PWITS (Possession With Intent to Sell), Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree, and Disorderly Conduct.  Mayor was being held on $350,000 bond pending arraignment in Hartford Superior Court.

Also on June 17, 2004, at 2114 hours, HPD Patrol Units responded to the area of 96-98 Martin Street on a report of an individual with a gun.  A citizen caller provided a detailed description of the suspect who was armed.  Upon arrival, HPD Patrol Officers John Miller and Carlo Faienza observed the suspect standing on the front steps of the building with another individual.  Upon seeing the officers, the suspect drew a .45 caliber pistol from his waist band and brandished it at the officers while attempting to conceal himself behind the other individual.  The suspect eventually dropped the firearm after Officers Faienza and Miller gave numerous orders for the suspect to do so, upon which he was taken into custody without further incident.  Arrested and charged with Criminal Use of a Firearm, Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit, Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, Criminal Trespass in the First Degree, and Risk of Injury was Dwayne Hairston, AKA Anthony Brown, AKA Dwayne Harrison, DOB 11/10/84, of 127 Wooster Street, Hartford.  Hairston's bond was set at $200,000.

In commenting on the efforts of the HPD North CRD and Patrol Division in these incidents, North CRD Commander Lieutenant Greg Merritt stated, "These men and women of the department continue to do an exceptional job in protecting and serving the residents of Hartford without regard for their own personal safety.  The actions of HPD Officers in these three potentially deadly situations, with the support of the community, demonstrates how through their restraint and coolness they were able to resolve these incidents without anyone getting injured.  This is certainly police work and community partnership at its finest."

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