The Hartford State’s Attorney has released dash cam video Friday from the fatal officer-involved shooting in Wethersfield from last month.
Police say at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 20th, Officer Peter Salvatore tried to pull over 18-year-old Anthony Jose Vega Cruz, who was believed to be driving a stolen vehicle, on Silas Deane Highway. Cruz initially stopped but then engaged police in a brief pursuit where other officers responded to the scene.
There was then a collision, in which Cruz’s car hit a police cruiser. When Officer Layau Eulizier, Jr. got out of his cruiser, police say Cruz aimed his car at Eliziel and dove towards him. Officer Eliziel then fired at Cruz.
Cruz was shot and taken to Hartford Hospital where he died two days later from his injuries.
His passenger, an 18-year-old woman, was not injured.
State Police are currently assisting the State’s Attorney with this investigation.
State’s Attorney Gail Hardy and Wethersfield officials say that they are releasing the videos because they have pledged a transparent and thorough investigation. Hardy will determine if the shooting was justified.
Family members of Cruz and activists have held demonstrations questioning the use of deadly force.
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