State Release's Report On April 2024 Hartford PD Shootout

HARTFORD, CT — State officials last week ruled a Hartford police officer was justified in firing his weapon at suspects during an incident early in the morning in April 2024.

According to Connecticut Inspector General Eliot D. Prescott's report, which was released Friday, Aug. 8, the Hartford Police Department officer was justified in returning fire, stating the suspect posed a serious threat to those nearby.

Hartford Police Officer Devanand Budhoo was the subject of the state probe after his response to a hit-and-run accident evolved into a brief exchange of gunfire.

While no one was hit by bullets in this case, anytime an officer discharges a weapon, the Connecticut Office of the Inspector General investigates and files a report.

That final report was released last week.

"Under the totality of the circumstances, I therefore conclude that the use of deadly physical force by Officer Budhoo was justified under Connecticut law," wrote Prescott. "Accordingly, my office will take no further action on this matter."

The officer-involved shooting happened early in the morning on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

The Office of Inspector General — along with the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad, Hartford Police Department, and the Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney’s Office — investigated the circumstances of the brief firefight, which happened near 474 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford.

According to the state, at approximately 12:13 a.m., Budhoo was dispatched to Wethersfield Avenue on a report of a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident.

While speaking with the damaged vehicle’s owner, Budhoo heard gunshots that appeared to be coming from the house across the street at 474 Wethersfield Ave., state officials wrote.

The office said Budhoo saw a person, later identified as Jimmy Muriel, 30, of Hartford, run from the front door of that house, followed by a second person, later identified as Luis Ortiz, 34, of Hartford, who was firing shots in the direction of Muriel.

Budhoo returned fire, and no one was hit, state authorities said.

In his 25-page report, Prescott said the suspect posed a threat to the officers responding and those in the community, and the discharge of the weapon was justified.

Initially, after the incident, Ortiz was charged with criminal possession of a firearm and related charges.

According to court records, however, Ortiz is now being held on $275,000 bond, and his charges include: criminal use of a weapon (felony), criminal possession of a firearm (felony), attempt at first-degree assault (felony), first-degree reckless endangerment, and illegal discharge of a firearm.

He will next appear in Hartford Superior Court on Aug. 20, according to court records.

For the full Connecticut Office of Inspector General report on the incident, click on this link.

From May 1, 2024: 'WATCH: Hartford Cop Fires At Suspect With Gun, State Investigating'