West Hartford, Connecticut — On August 8, 2023, an incident occurred that involved the West Hartford police, a stolen Hyundai Elantra, and a car thief named Mike Alexander-Garcia. At approximately 5:00 p.m., the police were in pursuit of the stolen vehicle, which was traveling east on New Britain Avenue. However, things took a turn for the worse when the stolen Hyundai collided with a silver BMW and a blue Honda Pilot at the intersection of New Britain Avenue and South Street.
After the collision with the Honda Pilot, the stolen Hyundai became disabled, and two occupants of the vehicle, Lyle Solsbury and Mike Alexander-Garcia, exited the car. The police swiftly apprehended Solsbury, but Alexander-Garcia managed to escape and fled east on New Britain Avenue. Desperate to evade capture, Alexander-Garcia attempted to carjack two vehicles as he made his way to Town Fair Tire at 980 New Britain Avenue. Eventually, he found an opportunity to enter a Toyota RAV4 parked in one of the garage service bays.
In a daring effort to apprehend Alexander-Garcia, K-9 Officer Andrew Teeter entered the garage bay. Officer Teeter deployed the police dog into the Toyota and then entered the passenger side of the vehicle. However, despite the K-9 and Officer Teeter’s presence, Alexander-Garcia managed to back out of the garage and drove out of the Town Fair Tire parking lot. In the process, he struck two vehicles, one of which was the K-9 police vehicle.
As Alexander-Garcia continued to drive, Officer Teeter was forced to take drastic measures to protect himself and the public. He discharged his weapon multiple times, aiming for Alexander-Garcia’s torso, ultimately hitting him. The Toyota, now out of control, crashed into a utility pole across the street from Town Fair Tire, near the intersection of New Britain Avenue and Shield Street. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and transported Alexander-Garcia to Hartford Hospital, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at 5:53 p.m.
Officer Teeter also sustained injuries during the confrontation. He suffered a broken rib and multiple head lacerations. However, the police dog involved in the incident appeared to have escaped any apparent injuries.
This intense series of events was captured on video, which can be viewed here:
The incident has raised several questions and concerns regarding the use of force by law enforcement officers. The West Hartford Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation to determine whether the officer’s actions were justified. The officer’s use of a firearm, resulting in the death of Alexander-Garcia, will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized.
In the aftermath of this incident, the West Hartford community is grappling with mixed emotions. Some residents express their support for the police officer, acknowledging the difficult choices he had to make in a rapidly evolving and dangerous situation. Others, however, are critical of the use of lethal force, calling for alternative methods to apprehend suspects, especially when they are not armed.
This incident highlights the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in their duty to protect the public while also ensuring their own safety. It also brings to the forefront the tensions between the need for swift and effective action and the preservation of human life.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with law enforcement and the difficult decisions officers are often forced to make in the line of duty. It is now up to the West Hartford authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident and determine its implications on police procedures and policies moving forward.
In conclusion, the incident involving a stolen car, a car thief, and a police officer in West Hartford has left the community shaken. As the investigation progresses, it is imperative that all facts are collected and analyzed to ensure a fair assessment of the events that transpired. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by both law enforcement officers and the public alike, and the need for continued dialogue and evaluation of police practices.
