Detective Robert Garten

Detective Robert Garten

Hartford Police Department, Connecticut

End of Watch Wednesday, September 6, 2023

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Robert Garten

Detective Bobby Garten was killed when his patrol car was struck by a fleeing vehicle at the intersection of Asylum Avenue and Broad Street at about 10:30 pm.

Officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle with canceled registration tags. As they approached the vehicle it sped north on Broad Street, however, officers did not pursue it.

Detective Garten was in the passenger seat of a patrol car traveling east on Asylum Avenue with emergency equipment activated en route to another incident. The fleeing car sped through the Farmington Avenue red traffic signal, and as it was speeding through the red traffic signal at Asylum Avenue, it struck the passenger side of the cruiser.

Detective Gartner and the officer driving the cruiser were transported to St. Francis Hospital where Officer Garten succumbed to his injuries. The other officer was admitted in stable condition.

The subject is in custody and charged with failure to obey a traffic control signal, failure to renew registration, misuse of plates, and interfering with a police officer.

Detective Garten had served with the Hartford Police Department for eight years. He was a second-generation police officer. He is survived by his parents, brother, nephews, and grandmother.

Detective Garten was posthumously promoted to detective.

Bio

  • Age 34
  • Tour 8 years
  • Badge 1781

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicular assault
  • Weapon Automobile
  • Offender Charged with traffic citations

emergency response, vehicle crash

Contact

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Most Recent Reflection

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Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Detective Garten. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Hartford Police Department.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

September 22, 2023

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