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NEWS ADVISORY
For Immediate Release:  Thursday, June 22, 2006

Hartford Police Statement

(Hartford) - At approximately 3 p.m. today an arrest warrant was issued by the New Haven State's Attorney and was served on Hartford Police Officer Robert Lawlor charging him with Manslaughter in the First Degree for the death of Jashon Bryant and Assault First Degree in the wounding of Brandon Henry on May 7, 2005.

The arrest warrant was the culmination of an investigation conducted by Waterbury State's Attorney John Connelly and New Haven State's Attorney Michael Dearington.  The Hartford Police Department cooperated with the State's Attorneys in the investigation.

Officer Lawlor was suspended without pay pending the outcome of a trial.

In commenting on Officer Lawlor's arrest, Chief Patrick J. Harnett said, "It is unfortunate to see a police officer charged with criminal conduct while on duty trying to enforce the law.  Officer Lawlor deserves the presumption of innocence pending the facts of this case being heard in our state's judicial system."

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