Police: 3-year-old killed in Hartford drive-by shooting

HARTFORD — Police have confirmed a 3-year-old child was shot and killed during a drive-by shooting in the city’s north end Saturday afternoon.

Patrol officers were called to the 100 block of Nelson Street around 2:25 p.m. after the city’s Shot Spotter system registered gunfire, said Lt. Aaron Boisvert.

“While officers were canvassing, an area hospital alerted dispatch that a 3year-old victim had been transported with a gunshot wound,” Boisvert said.

The boy was originally listed in “critical condition” but later succumbed to his wounds, police said.

Camera footage in the area captured a black Honda Accord pull up alongside another vehicle, where a passenger in the Honda fired “shots directly at the other vehicle,” Boisvert said.

The vehicle that was struck then left headed west on Nelson Street.

Police have confirmed the shooter’s vehicle was later found unoccupied by the auto theft task force. It was stolen out of Windsor Locks.

“The intended target of this shooting appears to be a male passenger of the victim’s vehicle,” said Boisvert. He said the intended victim fled following the shooting.

Police believe there were multiple witnesses to the shooting and said the incident is an active investigation.

“Anyone with information is urged to call the Hartford Police Department as soon as possible,” Boisvert said.

Police have taped off the streets in the area around the scene.

Hartford Chief of Police Jason Thody and Mayor Luke Bronin were scheduled to hold a news conference around 6:30 p.m. Saturday.