Teen Dead After Incident At East Hartford Diner: Police

EAST HARTFORD/HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford teenager is dead following an early morning incident that started in an East Hartford diner and ended in a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to the East Hartford Police Department, at about 5 a.m. on Sunday, the EHPD was called for a larceny complaint at the AAA Diner, 1209 Main St, which is a popular, 24-hour eatery in the area.

Police said four individuals left the restaurant without paying their bill.

Then, an EHPD officer observed the suspects entering an Uber and leaving the scene.

The police said the same officer had stopped the vehicle near Main Street and Orchard Street.

During the stop, a 17-year-old male from Hartford ran from the stop.

While pursuing the fleeing male on foot, police said officers lost sight of him, then heard a gunshot.

Officers quickly located the male behind 1137 Main St., where he was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his right leg, according to the EHPD.

In addition, police said a stolen firearm, later traced to South Windsor, was observed next to the male.

East Hartford officers, along with the East Hartford Fire Department and area paramedics, began life-saving measures.

The male was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, where he succumbed to his injuries during surgery, police said.

"At the request of the family, we are not releasing the name of the deceased at this time," wrote the EHPD.

Police said they're still investigating the incident, and anyone with information is urged to contact EHPD Det. Patrick Sullivan at 860-528-4401 or psullivan@easthartfordct.gov.