Hartford Officer Suspended Amid Criminal Investigation


By Debra Bogstie and Ari Mason

Police sources say the allegations involve the officer's actions at a Walmart in Hartford a whether he stole merchandise while working a private-duty job there.
Tuesday, Jul 29, 2014 • Updated at 6:20 PM EDT
Hartford police are investigating one of their own, who’s been forced to turn in his gun and badge and stay away from police headquarters.
The allegations involve Officer Luis Feliciano’s actions at the Walmart on Flatbush Avenue in Hartford. Police are investigating claims that he stole merchandise while working on a private-duty security job, according to police sources.
One source told NBC Connecticut some of the questionable conduct was caught on tape.
Police sources said Feliciano has been suspended as a criminal investigation gets underway. Police have not made an arrest in the case.
“Yesterday we suspended an officer with pay as a part of an administrative protocol and there is an ongoing criminal investigation right now,” said Deputy Chief Brian Foley of the Hartford Police Department.
Police union president Sgt. Richard Holton declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Walmart also declined to comment.
This incident comes about a year and a half after Hartford police confirm Feliciano’s department-issued gun was stolen in Springfield, Massachusetts. Hartford police released no other details about that incident.