NEWS RELEASE POLICE FIRE AT ARMED MOTORIST DURING TRAFFIC STOP (Hartford) - On October 2, 2004 at 12:15 A.M. Officer Shawn St. John and Officer Brian Salkeld, both of the North District Community Response Division observed a gray 2001 Pontiac Gran Prix backing up the wrong way on Nelson Street. The Officers stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Nelson and Barbour Streets. Both officers approached the vehicle with Officer Salkeld walking up to the passenger side. At this time Officer Salkeld observed the passenger pointing a sawed-off shotgun directly at him. Officer Salkeld drew his service handgun and fired several shots at the passenger, during which time the vehicle sped off north on Barbour Street. The officers returned to their cruiser and pursued the suspect vehicle. While fleeing from the Police the suspects struck three vehicles. The Pontiac came to rest at Barbour Street and Cleveland Avenue. Both the driver and passenger fled the scene but were soon apprehended by Officers Salkeld and St. John. Recovered was a sawed-off 12 gauge shotgun loaded with 5 shells and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun fully loaded with 15 rounds in the magazine and a round stuck in the breach. Detectives from the Major Crimes Division and the Evidentiary Services Unit were notified and immediately began an investigation into the incident. The investigation led to the arrest of the operator BESWICK BELNAVIS, age 20, of Manchester and the passenger JUNIOR BIGGS, age 20, of Hartford. Belnavis was found to have been in possession of the 9mm and was charged with Carrying a Pistol without a Permit, Weapons in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving and Failure to bring Motor Vehicle to Stop. Belnavis is being held in lieu of a one million dollar bond. Biggs was found to have been in possession of the shotgun and was charged with Criminal Attempt to Assault 1st, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a sawed-off Shotgun and Shotgun in a Motor Vehicle. Biggs was transported to St. Francis Hospital where he was treated for injuries sustained during the motor vehicle accidents and released. He is being held in lieu of a 2.5 million dollar bond. Both men will be arraigned on Monday, October 4, 2004 at G.A. 14, 101 Lafayette Street. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Hartford Police Department's Major Crimes Division at (860) 527-6300 extension 5230 or (860 525-Guns(4867) Contact:
Lieutenant Jose L. Lopez Sr.,
Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department, (860) 543-8746 |
