Family of teen who died in accidental East Hartford shooting speaks out

EAST HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - East Hartford police released body cam video of a fleeing teenage larceny suspect who they said died from accidentally shooting himself.

The 17-year-old boy died in the hospital following the incident on Sunday morning.

His family wrote a letter to Channel 3.

Police said they responded to the Triple-A Diner on Main Street at around 5 a.m. after they received a report that four individuals left the restaurant without paying a bill of approximately $140.

The group was seen getting into an Uber, which officers stopped nearby on Orchard Street.

According to police, the 17-year-old from Hartford fled the vehicle on foot.

As an officer pursued him, the teen ran out of sight. Moments later, a gunshot was heard.

Officers said they found the teen suffering from a gunshot wound to his right leg.

They believed the injury was self-inflicted.

They said a stolen firearm, later traced to South Windsor, was discovered next to him.

First responders administered life-saving measures at the scene. The teen was transported to a nearby hospital.

However, he later died during surgery due to the severity of his injuries.

Police released bodycam video of the incident on Monday. WARNING: It may be difficult for some people to watch.

“It’s a sad situation,” said Chris Black of East Hartford. “Hopefully we can get up and running so these guys can have somewhere and get off the streets.”

Chris Black said he owns a donut shop on Main Street. It was closed on Monday, but he hoped to reopen soon as a safe place for teenagers.

“If you have safer places for these guys to go, maybe they won’t be picking up guns and doing other crazy stuff,” he said.

The teen’s name has not been released due to his age.

Police said that no officers discharged their weapons during the incident. The body camera footage was being reviewed as part of the investigation.

The Office of the Inspector General is assisting with the investigation.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the East Hartford Police Department at 860-528-4401 or psullivan@easthartfordct.gov