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On Friday, Dec. 17, the State Police Bureau of Special Investigations initiated an operation to locate and apprehend Christian Velez, who had been wanted by several agencies including the FBI.
Velez is suspected of having committed over 20 armed robberies with firearms, numerous car-jackings, and several assaults across Connecticut spanning back to September, state police said.
On several occasions in the past, Velez evaded attempts by several law enforcement agencies at taking him into custody, engaging officers in pursuits, and further endangering the public, according to state police.
During the morning hours on Friday, investigative efforts lead to Velez’s vehicle being located in the City of New Britain.
Detectives observed Velez attempting to leave the area in his vehicle, striking two state police vehicles in the process. Velez immediately tried to flee the area on foot.
Officers from New Britain Police were on scene and assisted in taking Velez into custody without further incident.
The operation was completed successfully and with no injuries, said state police.
The multi-agency operation consisted of the:
- State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force,
- Statewide Firearms Trafficking Task Force,
- State Police Tactical Unit,
- Members of the FBI New Haven Violent Crime Task Force,
- New Britain Police Department.
Velez was transported to Troop H where he was held on a $2.5 million bond and remanded to DOC custody.
This investigation remains active, with several follow-up arrest warrants for Velez anticipated.
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