(Hartford, CT) - Sharmese L. Walcott, Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney, announced today that the Honorable Nuala E. Droney on October 3, 2025, found Jose Cajigas, age 35, of Hartford, guilty of Attempted Murder, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes §§ 53a-49(a)(2) and 53a-54a, Assault on Public Safety Personnel, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-167c and Criminal Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-217(a)(1).
According to evidence introduced during the court trial, a Hartford police officer on patrol on Main Street on October 26, 2021, observed a man, later identified as Jose Cajigas, walking with an orange umbrella toward her parked police cruiser. Cajigas paced in front of the vehicle and then approached the driver's side of the cruiser. The officer notified dispatch and requested backup before verbally engaging with Cajigas. While trying to determine if he needed medical assistance, the officer stated that Cajigas moved away from her vehicle for a few seconds before reengaging in conversation. When the officer asked Cajigas if he had been drinking, there was a sudden change in his demeanor, and he replied that he was intoxicated and might need assistance. The officer, still seated in her vehicle, instructed Cajigas to sit on the hood of her vehicle at which time she attempted to utilize her police radio to request an ambulance. As the officer motioned to utilize the radio, the officer heard a "bang" followed by her cruiser's operator's side door window shattering. The officer, startled by the shattered glass, and believing Cajigas threw an item at her, immediately drove away and alerted dispatch and responding officers about what had just occurred. The officer immediately circled back to the incident location where she observed Cajigas fleeing toward a cemetery. Officers arrived at the cemetery, established a perimeter, and within minutes, had located and detained Cajigas without incident. In the immediate vicinity of where Cajigas was apprehended, officers found the orange umbrella and a .22 caliber Jennings firearm. The firearm remained loaded and was secured on scene for investigators to retrieve. During the canvass of the parking lot on Main Street where the cruiser had been parked, one .22 caliber spent shell casing was located. Upon inspection of the officer's damaged vehicle, it was determined that the officer had been fired upon while seated inside her vehicle. The window had been shattered, and a bullet projectile, consistent with a small caliber firearm, was located inside of the vehicle.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo, Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Brett J. Salafia, Inspectors Joseph Buyak and Emory Hightower, and Paralegal Specialists Kelly Randall and Lakisha Malave.
State’s Attorney Walcott stated that she is “appreciative of the hard work the prosecution team put into the case, is thankful for the full support of the process by the Hartford Police Department, including command staff, and is thankful that this horrific situation was thwarted by the quick action of the officer.” She wants to remind the public of the danger law enforcement officers place themselves in every day “just by virtue of the oath they took to protect and serve our community. A sincere thank you goes out to all sworn law enforcement officers on behalf of the entire Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office.”
Sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2026, in Hartford Superior Court.