Man Sought In Jan. 1 Carjacking, Shooting In Hartford

Hartford police are searching for the man at left, a suspect in a carjacking and shooting that occurred on New Year's Day at the corner of Garden Street and Albany Avenue. The suspect, seen on a gas station surveillance video, is described as a short, heavy set Hispanic male who fled the gas station in a red Ford Windstar mininvan. The windshield of the vehicle, seen at right, has the words "JOHN 3:16." (January 8, 2009)

Hartford police detectives are searching for a man in connection with a carjacking and shooting Jan. 1 at the corner of Garden Street and Albany Ave.

The suspect, who was captured by a surveillance camera at a gas station, is described as a short, heavy-set Hispanic man, fled the gas station in a red Ford Windstar minivan with "John 3:16" in white lettering written across the top front of the van. Two people suffered minor injuries in the incident. One was shot in the ear lobe. The other had a powder burn to the abdomen and a gash to the head, police said.

John 3:16 is a reference to a passage in the Bible. The King James Version reads: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."

Anyone with information about the van or the man is asked to call Hartford Det. Andrew Jacobson at 860-757-4203. Anonymous tips can also be phoned to Hartford Crime Stoppers at 860-722-8477. Cash payments are made to people who provide information that lead to arrests.