Family Seeks Justice for Fatal Shooting

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The family of Mike Alexander-Garcia Jr., who was shot and killed by a West Hartford police officer in August 2023, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit and is calling for a federal civil rights investigation into the police department. At a news conference, Alexander-Garcia's mother and sister criticized Officer Andrew Teeter's actions during the incident, alleging racial profiling and demanding justice and accountability for their loss. The lawsuit, filed in state court, names Officer Teeter, the police department, and the town, claiming violations of Alexander-Garcia’s constitutional rights and police policies. According to the family's attorney, Peter Bowman, Alexander-Garcia was surrendering when he was shot multiple times in the back, despite pleading for his life. The incident escalated when Alexander-Garcia attempted to flee in a stolen SUV, leading to a confrontation with Teeter, who was in the vehicle with a police dog. Teeter reportedly fired several shots after issuing warnings, resulting in Alexander-Garcia crashing the SUV into a utility pole. The lawsuit alleges that Teeter failed to provide clear commands and improperly deployed the police dog, instead of attempting to de-escalate the situation. The family's legal team has pointed to state reports indicating that West Hartford police disproportionately stop minority motorists, although these reports do not conclusively prove racial profiling. As the investigation by the Office of Inspector General continues, the family seeks accountability for what they describe as a tragic and unjust loss.