Fundraisers Launched For Hartford, Rocky Hill Officers Shot In Newington

HARTFORD/NEWINGTON/ROCKY HILL, CT — Fundraisers have been established to support two Connecticut police officers who were shot Friday night during an incident that began with a Hartford police investigation and ended with an exchange of gunfire in Newington.

Hartford Police Officer Alex Diaz and Rocky Hill Police Officer Jon Escobar were both struck by gunfire during the Aug. 21 incident, according to Hartford police.

Diaz was released from the hospital Saturday, the Hartford Police Department said.

Police described Diaz as a Hartford native, father of two young children, a member of Police Academy Class 22-1 and a member of the department's Street Crimes Unit.

"Today, we are grateful to see him heading home," Hartford police said in announcing his release.

The department later shared information about a privately organized "Fund the First" fundraiser after receiving numerous inquiries from community members asking how they could help Diaz and his family.

"As he continues his recovery, funds raised are intended to help ease any financial burdens that may arise and allow Alex and his family to focus on his healing," Hartford police said.

According to information posted by Fund the First, $7,440 had been raised from 70 donors for Diaz's recovery.

A separate "Fund the First" campaign has been established for Escobar, the Rocky Hill officer wounded in the same incident.

The fundraising platform said $31,661 had been raised from 372 donors for Escobar.

The platform identifies the campaigns as "Support Officer Alexander Diaz" and "Jon's Recovery Fund."

Hartford police stressed that Diaz's fundraiser is privately organized and the department is sharing the information in response to requests from the public.

"The Hartford Police Department is sharing this information in response to public inquiries and does not collect or administer any donations," police said.

Hartford Mayor Statement

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam also issued a statement following the shooting.

"I was devastated to learn about last night's officer-involved shooting following a vehicle pursuit that originated in Hartford," Arulampalam said. "During the incident, an exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in injuries to Hartford Police Officer Alexander Diaz and Rocky Hill Police Officer Jon Escobar, and the death of the suspect at the scene."

The mayor also expressed support for Diaz, Escobar and Hartford Police Officer Jocelyn Andino, though the statement did not specify Andino's role in the incident.

Arulampalam said both wounded officers were in stable condition and recovering.

"Their bravery and swift actions, alongside officers from neighboring departments, helped prevent further harm to our neighborhoods and residents," Arulampalam said. "We wish them a full and speedy recovery."

Incident Began With Hartford Police Investigation

The incident began at approximately 11:07 p.m. Friday when Hartford police officers were investigating what the department described as illegal activity in the area of 9 Fales St.

Police said a male suspect fled on foot and an officer pursued him.

When the officer attempted to take the suspect into custody, a struggle followed.

During the struggle, the officer felt what he believed was a firearm in the suspect's waistband, according to Hartford police.

The suspect was able to enter a vehicle and flee the area.

Officers pursued the vehicle as it traveled through Hartford and continued south, while information about the suspect vehicle was relayed to surrounding police departments.

The vehicle was eventually stopped on Webster Court in Newington, where an exchange of gunfire occurred, police said.

Diaz and Escobar were struck by gunfire and transported to an area hospital.

Hartford police initially reported that both officers were in stable condition.

The suspect was also struck by gunfire and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said a firearm was recovered.

Hartford police thanked Rocky Hill police and other surrounding departments and law enforcement agencies that responded.

"Your support reminds our officers and their families that they do not stand alone — and that the risks and sacrifices made in service to others are seen, valued, and never taken for granted," Hartford police said in its fundraiser announcement.

The Connecticut Office of Inspector General responded and has assumed the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

Law enforcers have yet to identify the suspect who was killed in the incident.

For Hartford Police Officer Alexander Diaz's 'Fund the First' page, click on this link.

For Rocky Hill Police Officer Jon Escobar's 'Fund the First' page, click on this link.

From Aug. 22: '2 Police Officers Shot, Suspect Dead After Exchange Of Gunfire: Police'