A Hartford police officer was killed and a second officer was injured after a crash involving their vehicle late Wednesday night.
Officer Bobby Garten, 34, an eight-year veteran of the Hartford Police Department, died of his injuries, according to Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and Police Chief Jason Thody.
The other officer, Brian Kearney, who was driving the marked police cruiser, was in stable but guarded condition at a nearby hospital, police said.
The officers were in the cruiser when it was struck by a Honda Accord that ran two red lights "at a high rate of speed" after fleeing a traffic stop, police said. The car collided with the cruiser, which was responding — with its lights and siren on — to a separate call, according to police.
Richard Barrington, 18, was in custody after the accident, which occurred just west of downtown Hartford at Asylum Avenue and Cogswell Street, police said.
Gov. Ned Lamont ordered flags lowered to half-staff following the officer's death.
"We are devastated at the loss of Bobby," Thody said. "He was an amazing person that exemplified what it means to be a Hartford Police Officer. His commitment to serve was above reproach."
Bronin said Garten "loved this city."
"He grew up going to Whalers games," Bronin said. "He loved going to Yard Goats games now. He served this city with courage and compassion and tremendous skill and dedication."
The police cruiser had extensive damage to the passenger side.
A police procession for the fallen officer was held early Thursday morning from St. Francis Hospital to the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Farmington.
This story has been updated. Connecticut Public's Abigail Brone, Tyler Russell, Patrick Skahill, Eric Aasen and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
