Police Department

13th Homicide in Hartford

October 29, 2014
PUBLIC SAFETY NEWS

On October 29, 2014 at 1:27am, Hartford Police Department Officers responded to a ShotSpotter notification of "multiple shots fired" at 198 Jefferson Street. Upon arrival officers located the victim, a Hispanic male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body. The victim was unresponsive and pronounced deceased at 1:36am by responding EMS personnel. A crime scene was established and secured. Homicide Detectives from the Major Crimes Division responded and actively investigating.

The victim has been identified as Jose O'Casio (4/24/90) of 833 Park Street in Hartford, CT and next of kin have been notified. The victim was on probation at the time of his death. This is the 13th homicide of 2014.

Anyone with information is asked to call HPD/MCD Homicide LT Brandon O'Brien (860) 757-4089; or web tips can be submitted using the "Submit an anonymous Tip" link on the right of the page.

Halloween Safety Tips

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS
Halloween is an exciting night of the year and a particularly special treat for young children. It is also an important time to be extra vigilant for potential safety hazards. The Hartford Police Department wants everyone to have a happy, fun, and safe Halloween by following these tips.

PARENTS AND TRICK OR TREATERS
Always escort your children and carry a flashlight. Wear bright colored or reflective clothing. When possible, stay in well-lighted areas. Consider placing reflective or glow in the dark tape on your children's costumes. Walk on the sidewalks and not in the middle of the street. Use cross walks properly and look in all directions when crossing the street.

Be familiar with the neighborhood where your children will be trick-or-treating. Instruct your children NEVER to enter any homes. Do not trick-or-treat by yourself. Never approach a car offering candy.

Be a responsible parent. Set a specific time for your child/children to be out and always know who is trick-or-treating with your children. Inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them. Give out only commercially wrapped candy.

Understand that children wearing masks will have restricted vision. Avoid having children carry replica firearms, swords, or toys which can be mistaken for the real thing.

HOMEOWNERS
Turn on your porch light so children know it is all right to visit your home. If you are placing a Jack-O-Lantern on your porch, place a glow stick inside instead of a candle.

Never invite children into your home. Keep pets away from children and Maintain clear walkways that are free from obstruction.

Immediately notify law enforcement of any suspicious activity.

MOTORISTS
Drive slowly and with extreme caution on Halloween! Look for children walking on the street, running, and darting in between parked vehicles. Be extra careful when entering and exiting driveways.

PLEASE avoid using your cell phone while driving!

Play your music at a reasonable volume so you can listen for potential children crossing your path.

Never drink and drive!

Arrest Made for June 11, 2014 Shooting

May 27, 2014 12:36pm, Hartford Police Department Patrol Officers were responded to 388 Garden Street, after a private duty police officer reported hearing gunshots in the area. Responding officers located a 22yo male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was shot once in the chest and transported by private vehicle to St. Francis Hospital. HPD Major Crimes Division Detectives assumed the investigation. Initially listed critical after surgery, the victim has since recovered.

On June 11, 2014 at approximately at 2:43am HPD received a ShotSpotter activation, at 26 Vine St., for a single shot in the street. At 2:44am Patrol Officers found the victim lying prone in street, in front of 44 Vine St, suffering from a single GSW to the chest. He was transport to St. Francis Hospital where was pronounced at 6:44am. HPD Major Crimes Division Detectives assumed this investigation as well.

Citizens provided verified information to detectives, and intelligence was developed which lead to Cleveland Brown, 09/24/93 (21), of Hartford, being identified as the shooter in the May 27th assault. Detectives applied for and obtained an arrest warrant for Brown. On September 23, 2014 Brown was taken into custody by a by Patrol Officers. Brown was booked, arrested and charged with Assault if the 1st Degree and Carrying a Pistol without a permit. Brown was given a $500,000 bond. Brown has been incarcerated since his September 23rd arrest.

While Brown was incarcerated, investigators continued to develop leads into the June 11th murder to Taylor. On October 21, 2014, Hartford Police Department Major Crimes Division Homicide Detectives applied for and obtained another arrest warrant for Cleveland Brown, this one for Murder 53a-54 charging him with the homicide of Tyron Taylor. (Charge: CGS 53a-54a – Murder). The arrest warrant will be served at Brown's next court appearance.