Hartford police arrested two men last week after a wild car chase that began in the city, ended in West Hartford, and left at least one officer injured. But the case has taken a turn, and state prosecutors said they are investigating whether police used excessive force at the time of the arrest -- "kicking or stomping one of the arrestees after that person was handcuffed," according to the Hartford Police Department.
Ricardo Perez was charged with a long list of crimes, including reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, driving without a license, and drug possession.
Police also said the car he was driving was stolen.
But his mug shot, released by Hartford police, raised other questions. Perez’s face was badly bruised and one eye was swollen shut. His passenger, Emilio Diaz, was also arrested.
Chief State’s Attorney Kevin Kane has asked Litchfield State’s Attorney David Shepack to investigate whether police used excessive force during the arrest, Kane told WNPR Tuesday. He also said he requested that Shepack take the case, transferring it out of Hartford’s state’s attorney’s office, where it began. The goal, he said, is to guarantee impartiality.
Finally, Kane said he has asked state police from outside of Hartford to assist.
After WNPR raised questions with the Hartford Police Department, Deputy Chief Brian Foley issued a statement.
“Both arrestees appear to have suffered apparent facial injuries at some point,” Foley said. “The exact circumstances of each arrest are as yet unknown, but a West Hartford Police cruiser camera appears to show a police officer kicking or stomping one of the arrestees after that person was handcuffed.”
WNPR asked for that video last week, but the request was denied on Tuesday after Shepack objected.
The office of the public defender has declined to comment. Efforts to reach family members for Diaz and Perez were unsuccessful.
