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PUBLIC SAFETY NEWS
From the City of Hartford Office of Communications and New Media
For Immediate Release:   Wednesday, October 19, 2011

SUSPECT IN SHOTS FIRED INCIDENT CAPTURED BY
HARTFORD SHOOTING TASK FORCE

(Hartford) - Mayor Pedro E. Segarra and Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts today announced that the Hartford Shooting Task Force, in response to a report of shots fired, had captured a suspect and seized a firearm.

On October 18, 2011, HPD Animal Control Officer Mercado reported hearing 6-7 gunshots from the Edgewood Street area.  HSTF Detective Tony Pia and Inspector Edwin Rodriguez, who were in the area at the time of the incident, began an immediate investigation.  While conducting a canvass, the investigators observed a suspicious male manipulating his waistband in a manner consistent with the characteristics of an armed individual.  The suspect was quickly secured and a .45 caliber handgun was removed from his waistband.  During an interview, the suspect, Kejon Mclemore, DOB 3/28/93, admitted to firing the weapon.  Mclemore was subsequently charged by police with unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, first degree reckless endangerment, risk of injury to a minor, and negligent storage of a firearm.  He remains in on a $300,000 bond pending arraignment in Hartford Superior Court.

Mayor Segarra praised Animal Control Officer Mercado, Detective Pia and Inspector Rodriguez for their actions saying, "This kind of team effort and coordination is essential and highly commended.  I have no doubt the immediate response, capture of the suspect, and seizure of the firearm in question, reduced the risk of further potential violence and injury." 

Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts also praised the officers "for their heightened awareness and rapid response.  The coordination exhibited in this investigation between Animal Control Officer Mercado, Detective Pia and Inspector Rodriguez is what community policing is all about.  They exemplify the meaning of the HPD's mission of service, relationships and safety".