Connecticut Office of Inspector General finds Hartford officer justified in shooting at armed suspect

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — In a final report issued Friday, the Connecticut Office of Inspector General says a Hartford police officer who shot at a suspect at the scene of a hit-and-run last May was justified.

According to the report, officer Devanand Budhoo responded to a report of a hit-and-run on Wethersfield Avenue just after midnight on April 27, 2024. While speaking to the victim, the officers heard gunfire coming from a three-story apartment building across the street.

BACKGROUND: Office of Inspector General releases preliminary report, body camera footage of Hartford officer shooting at man

The suspect- Luis Ortiz- was one of two people to then come out of the front door of the building. He was allegedly carrying a firearm and fired at least one shot toward the other person.

Budhoo drew his service firearm and ordered Ortiz to get on the ground, then fired two shots towards Ortiz when he did not comply.

The Office of the Inspector General says neither shot struck Ortiz.

BACKGROUND: Investigation underway after Hartford officer fired weapon

The suspect ran back into the building, but was apprehended soon after and charged with numerous felony charges, according to the report.

“Based on our investigation, I conclude that, under the totality of the circumstances, Officer Budhoo honestly believed that Ortiz posed an imminent threat of serious injury or death to the victim, himself, Officer Cameron and others in close proximity to the incident. I determine that Officer Budhoo’s use of deadly physical force was objectively reasonable and justified under the applicable legal standards,” the report states.

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