HARTFORD, Conn. — An eight-year veteran Hartford police officer died and another officer was injured in a late-night crash involving a vehicle fleeing from a traffic stop in Hartford on Wednesday.
Officer Robert “Bobby” Garten was killed after a traffic stop by other city officers on Broad Street around 10:20 p.m.
The suspected driver, identified Thursday as 18-year-old Richard Barrington, of Hartford, sped off in the Accord.
According to officials, Barrington sped through two red lights at the intersection of Broad Street and Farmington Ave. and Broad Street and Asylum Street. The other officers did not chase after Barrington when he fled the traffic stop, the police chief said.
While blowing through the second red light, that's when Barrington's car collided with a Hartford cruiser that's part of the North Street Crimes Unit.
Inside the cruiser were Garten and Officer Brian Kearney, who was behind the wheel. After the Accord slammed into their cruiser, Garten and Kearney were rushed to St. Francis Hospital for their injuries.
Garten was later pronounced dead from his injuries. Officer Kearney was listed in "stable but guarded condition," according to Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody.
The entire incident was also captured on camera, police said.
Barrington suffered minor injuries and was charged with failure to obey a traffic control signal, failure to renew the registration, misuse of plates and interfering with police. It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer who could respond to the allegations. His bond was set at $1 million.
Prosecutors in court said that he’s a full-time student in the 11th grade. He has no criminal history on file, no pending cases, and no convictions.
Barrington's Attorney said he works at Lowe's and has strong family ties to the state. He’s also engaged at the Hartford Job Corps and he’s getting his certification as a medical assistant.
Garten was an eight-year veteran of the department and a second-generation officer, with his father once also serving in the department as a detective, said Thody. Garten served in the patrol division and as part of the Hartford Police Department Marine Unit.
"We are devastated at the loss of Bobby," said Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody. "He was an amazing person who exemplified what it means to be a Hartford Police Officer. His commitment to serve was above reproach. Our HPD family has come together to support Bobby's family, honor his memory, and do what he would want us to do, protect and serve the Hartford community."
"My heart and prayers and the love and prayers of our whole city are with Officer Garten’s parents, family, loved ones, friends and colleagues, and the entire HPD family," said Mayor Luke Bronin in a statement. "Bobby Garten loved this city, loved the Hartford Police Department, served our community with distinction, courage, skill and compassion, and this loss is immeasurable for all who loved, served with, and knew him. Officer Garten and his family have our everlasting respect and gratitude.”
Events that Bronin was supposed to attend have also been canceled, including a flag raising ahead of the Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade and a press conference regarding details for a block party in the city in October.
A procession took Garten to the Chief Medical Examiner's office in Farmington early Thursday morning.
Flags at the Hartford Police Department have moved to half-staff, and Gov. Ned Lamont also directed U.S. and state flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Garten.
“The passing of Officer Garten is heartbreaking, and I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in the Hartford Police Department," said Lamont. "This tragedy is an unfortunate reminder of the dangers that law enforcement face every day as they protect our neighborhoods. Officer Garten dedicated his life and his career to public safety, and we salute his courage, integrity, and commitment to the people of our capital city. I urge the residents of Connecticut to keep Officer Garten’s family and the Hartford Police Department in their prayers.”
“Our police officers work tirelessly to protect and serve, often risking their own safety," Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said in a statement. "Last night’s tragedy is a reminder to us all of the sacrifice our officers are willing to make to keep us safe. My heart breaks for Hartford Police Department and for the loved ones of Officer Garten. His bravery and sense of duty will never be forgotten. I’m keeping Officer Garten and his loved one in my prayers.”
Tributes to Garten and the Hartford Police Department have begun on social media.
Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and X.
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.