HARTFORD — An investigation requested by the city's police chief has cleared a detective of wrongdoing in the use of a stun gun on an 18-year-old man in Hartford's North End Aug. 19.
Police Chief James C. Rovella ordered the review after Det. Shawn Ware shot Luis Anglero Jr. with a Taser during a confrontation at about 2 p.m. on Garden Street. The shooting angered Anglero's family members, who said it was an unnecessary use of force, and several community leaders called for the charges to be dropped.
This surveillance video from a nearby business obtained by FOX CT shows a Hartford teen being shot with a stun gun by a police officer Tuesday during what police described a "group disturbance." (FOX CT)
The police department concluded that Ware's actions conformed to the department's procedures for use of "less lethal" force and use of electronic control devices and Tasers.
"Although it is unfortunate that Mr. Anglero was injured as a result of this incident, there is no violation of department policy on the part of Detective Ware. I have determined that Detective Ware's actions were lawful, proper and justified," wrote Sgt. Andrew G. Lawrence, an investigator in the department's internal affairs division.
Anglero's mother, Maryann Yearwood, said Thursday evening that she had just heard about the investigation's outcome and that it was too early for her to comment.
"I have no words," she said.
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Anglero's family and some witnesses had said that Anglero stopped advancing toward Ware, was complying with police orders and did not pose a threat when Ware shot him with the Taser.
Anglero was taken to the hospital and was later charged with second-degree breach of peace and interfering with an officer. He case is pending in court.
In an initial report, signed Aug. 19, the day of the shooting, Ware's supervisor, Sgt. Winston Brooks, determined that Ware's use of force was within department policies.
In the report released Thursday. Lawrence wrote: "Based on the chaotic situation, and Mr. Anglero's behaviors, I concur with Sergeant Brooks' finding that the force used by Detective Ware was within policy and permissible."
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The findings were reviewed by commanders and the chief, who concurred, according to documents released by the department.
Ware had been at a store in the area of Albany Avenue and Garden Street for a private duty assignment when he witnessed a large group arguing, according to the report. Ware ordered the crowd to disperse, according to the report.
Witnesses told investigators that Anglero was seen running toward the area before being shot with the Taser.
Brooks, who was supervising the private duty job, reported that Anglero appeared to be in a "rage" when he passed him, heading toward the area where the argument and the crowd had been. Brooks, according to the report, had told Anglero to turn around, but he did not follow the instructions and was clenching his fists.
The report said that during the disturbance outside the store, Anglero's sister was hit by a thrown can of soda.
Pedro Gil, who was nearby, tried to stop Anglero but couldn't, according to the report. Gil told The Courant that he attempted to prevent Anglero from advancing, but "he's very skinny, so he kind of weaseled out."
While heading up the street, Anglero was confronted by Ware, who had taken out his Taser, according to the report. Ware reported that Anglero refused to follow his commands to stop and move away. A closed circuit video of the incident showed that Anglero slowed to a halt, according to the report, and was shot with the Taser shortly after.
Brooks wrote in his report: "I could see Detective Ware was giving very firm and direct commands to Anglero."
Ware told investigators that he took a step forward with the Taser pointed at Anglero, despite his training, which is to step backward.
The video shows Anglero stopping and dropping his arms to his side. Ware stopped, as well, according to the report. The video then shows Ware slowly advancing before Anglero's hands go toward his chest and he falls backward.
"Although Mr. Anglero stopped coming forward, he did not go back or make any discernible moves indicating that he was no longer a threat to Ware," Lawrence wrote in the report.
Ware, in both his written report and an interview with investigators, said that Anglero was acting aggressively and that he also believed his intention was to attack him, according to the internal affairs report. Ware said in his report that Anglero was clenching his fists and teeth.
Lawrence wrote that there were other people heading toward Ware, which caused him to believe he may be assaulted.
Anglero was not interviewed for the report, but attempts were made to get him to participate, Lawrence said. Neither Anglero nor his attorney had responded by the time the report was sent to the chief, according to the report.
Courant staff writer Christine Dempsey contributed to this story.
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