One dead after gunfire exchanged between cars in Hartford, Conn. continues onto I-84: police

A man has died after a shooting in Hartford continued onto Interstate 84 and caused a crash Friday afternoon, police said.

Hartford police were called to Newfield Avenue at about 1:55 p.m. for a reported shooting with someone injured. Responding officers found a man in his 20s with a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

Police said two cars believed to be involved in the shooting ended up on I-84 East and allegedly exchanged gunfire.

One of the two cars later crashed and both a driver and passenger in the car were unresponsive, according to police. One of the two people died at the scene and the other person was taken to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

State police identified the person who died as 36-year-old Omar Cruz-Torres of West Haven.

The other car took off and has not yet been located, according to police.

A driver, who is not believed to be involved in the shooting, was struck by gunfire. Police said that person has minor injuries.

The two incidents happened less than a mile away from each other, according to police.

Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert said the level of crime in the city so far this year is "highly unusual" and "terrifying."

Hartford and Connecticut State Police are conducting a joint investigation into the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Central District Major Crime Squad by calling 860-534-1000.

You can also email Detective Michael Piscitelli at michael.piscitelli@ct.gov.