The Hartford police detective who used a Taser on a local teen while breaking up an unruly crowd last month has been cleared of misconduct allegations, and now questions swirl about the teen's possible drug use prior to the incident.
The department launched an investigation into the conduct of Det. Shawn Ware late last month after surveillance video captured Ware shooting 18-year-old Luis Anglero with a Taser prior to arresting the teen on charges of interfering with an officer and breach of peace.
The Hartford Police Department Professional Standards Bureau released a 77-page report on its findings, which conclude "the force used by Detective Ware was within policy and permissible."
Anglero was hospitalized after the incident, which sparked backlash from community members. Activists protested Ware's use of the Taser and urged police to drop the charges against Anglero and arrest Ware instead.
Police, on the other hand, claimed Anglero was uncooperative and combative. According to Hartford police spokesman Deputy Chief Brian Foley, Anglero "was a clear aggressor and agitator" who ignored officers' commands.
According to the report, Anglero's aggressive behavior continued at the hospital. A doctor told police the teen was "behaving violently toward the medical staff" and "exhibiting behavior indicative of PCP use." The doctor said Anglero needed to be sedated before hospital personnel could render treatment.
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Hartford Police Chief James Rovella called for the investigation on Aug. 20, the day after the incident. Investigators interviewed witnesses and involved officers and combed through police reports, radio recordings and video evidence, police said.
According to police, the department's Internal Affairs Division "found that Detective Ware's actions complied with HPD Policy and Procedure" and said "the investigation revealed no misconduct."
Anglero's attorney, on the other hand, argues that the report is unfair and insists that a third party should have been brought in to keep investigators objective.
"The idea that a meaningful internal investigation could result from a matter such as this is one that is plagued with bias and riddled with bad intentions," said attorney Jamaal Johnson, who maintains that Anglero is "absolutely innocent."
Police disagree.
"Obviously, we stand behind the investigation and its findings," said Foley.
