Hartford Police Officer From Wellesley Stabbed

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford police officer who was stabbed Thursday while investigating a landlord-tenant dispute at a Constitution Plaza apartment building is on the road to recovery, according to Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley.

Officer Jill Kidik, a 12-year veteran of the force, is recovering from multiple stab wounds at Hartford Hospital.
"This morning, surround by family and friends she opened her eyes. She is alert and staying strong," Foley said in a Tweet Friday morning.

A source told WFXT that she is a Wellesley native and her family has been transported from Massachusetts to Connecticut. Foley called her injuries "life-threatening" and "life altering." As of Thursday night she's in Hartford Hospital in critical/stable condition with wounds in the tracheal and jugular areas.

Kidik was investigating a disturbance on the ninth floor of 5 Constitution Plaza around 9:40 a.m. At some point during the investigation, a struggle ensued and the suspect, Chevoughn Augustin, knocked the officer to the ground, grabbed a large ceramic kitchen knife, placed her in a choke hold and began stabbing her in the neck. Kidik managed to radio for assistance, Foley said.

Maintenance workers heard the disturbance and pulled Augustin off the officer. Foley called those workers who came to Kidik's aid "heroes" and said they would be "rewarded" when it comes time to honor citizens.

Kidik received the Meritorious Service Award from the Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut in 2016 for a December 2015 call where she saved a choking child by administering the Heimlich maneuver. She was also the officer who arrested Connecticut Treasurer Denise Nappier during a controversial traffic stop in 2011. An investigation determined while the stop was lawful, retraining was needed.

Augustin, 39, has been charged with criminal attempt to commit murder, first-degree assault, assault on a police officer and third-degree criminal mischief. She is currently being held without bond, Foley said.

By Tim Jensen and Dan Libon, Patch Staff

Photo courtesy of Hartford Police Department