Statement of Hartford State's Attorney Gail P. Hardy

With the unfortunate passing of Mr. Vega Cruz, the case has been assigned to my office in accordance with state statutes governing the investigation into the use of force resulting in death, which provide that the investigation be assigned to a State’s Attorney from a judicial district other than that where the incident occurred. The Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad is assisting me with this investigation.

We extend our condolences to Mr. Vega Cruz’s family. I am in the process of speaking to the State Police to provide me with contact information for Mr. Vega Cruz’s family and an update of what they have learned and what remains to be done at this point to move the investigation forward.

It is my intent to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation. I understand and respect the public’s desire to view any video evidence. I must balance the needs of the investigation with the public’s right to know what happened and I intend to disclose those videos as soon as I can determine that disclosure will not interfere with the investigation.

Again, we extend our condolences to Mr. Vega Cruz’s family.