NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  Wednesday, June 7, 2006

SEVEN GUNS, SEVEN ARRESTS MADE BY HARTFORD POLICE IN TWO SEARCH AND SEIZURES.

(Hartford) - Early this morning the Hartford Police Vice and Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of the State of Connecticut Adult Parole Office, executed two separate search and seizure warrants that resulted in the recovery of seven firearms, a large amount of narcotics, and the arrest of seven individuals.

At 5:45 a.m. the Southeast Narcotics and Gun Team, with the assistance of the HPD Narcotics Division and Emergency Response Team (ERT), executed a search and seizure warrant at 350 Wethersfield Avenue.  As a result of the investigation five firearms were seized along with 217 bags of heroin, 60 grams of marijuana, 35 grams of crack, and $2,778 in U.S. Currency.  Arrested on numerous firearm and narcotics violations, including Operating a Drug Factory and Criminal Possession of a Firearm, were Wilson Velez, DOB 2/9/85, Francis Allende, DOB 11/15/80, Alexander Allende, DOB 12/20/84, and Jennie Allende, DOB 3/27/82, all of 350 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford, and Alexis Mercado, DOB 11/30/87, of 48 Elliott Street, Hartford.  All remain in police custody with bonds ranging from $150,000 to $500,000, pending arraignment in Hartford Superior Court.

At approximately 6:00 a.m. the Northeast Narcotics and Gun Team, with the assistance of the HPD's Narcotics and ERT Divisions, executed a search and seizure warrant at 149 Adams Street.  As a result of this investigation detectives seized a 9mm Rugar Pistol, a .22 Caliber North American Arms Pistol, approximately three-quarters of a pound of marijuana, scales and ammunitions.  Arrested were Mark A. McCatty, DOB 10/15/67, and Brandon Umrah, 3/11/71, both of 149 Adams Street, Hartford.  McCatty's bond was set at $300,000 and Umrah's at $200,000 pending arraignment in Hartford Superior Court.

Click here to view photo of seized firearms and drugs.

Assistant Chief Daryl K. Roberts, HPD Chief of Detectives, in commenting on the two operations, said "Those involved in the trafficking of illegal drugs and criminal possession of firearms in the city should be on notice that the Hartford Police Department will continue its aggressive investigation of these offenders to rid them and the violence they create in our neighborhoods.  The success of both these operations are the result of directed investigations by HPD detectives who have my congratulations on a job well done.  I am sure their actions will have a positive impact on the quality of life in these neighborhoods.  

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