Matt Lesser

Statement from Sen. Lesser on Release of Police

Dash Cam Footage in Wethersfield Fatal Shooting

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) released the following statement in regards to the release of police dash cam footage in the fatal shooting of Wethersfield resident Anthony Vega Cruz, who was shot by Wethersfield police on April 20 following a traffic stop. Sen. Lesser, who represents the residents of Wethersfield, had called for the release of the dash cam footage after the shooting. In an April 26 statement, Sen. Lesser and State Senator John Fonfara had jointly called for the prompt release of footage.

“Thank you State’s Attorney Gail Hardy for hearing our call,” said Sen. Lesser. “While release of the footage will be painful for our community, it is necessary to demonstrate transparency, answer community questions and start the healing process.”

About Matt Lesser: Sen. Lesser was first elected in 2018 to represent the ninth Senate District which consists of Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield. Prior to being elected to the State Senate, he was a State Representative for the city of Middletown. He has been a principle author of Connecticut’s Student Loan Bill of Rights, the first in the nation, a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing waste and a major workplace safety law later adapted as a national standard. He has been honored by the Connecticut chapter of the AARP and has been named a champion by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters.