Connecticut DOC Officer Charged in Newington Child Kidnapping

The quiet suburban town of Newington got a jolt over the weekend after a troubling incident involving a Connecticut Department of Corrections officer. Authorities say 36-year-old John Lacen-Romero assaulted his wife, kidnapped their two children, and led police on a wild, multi-town chase that finally ended with a crash in Stamford.

This case has grabbed attention across the state, from Hartford to Bridgeport. More details keep surfacing about the suspect’s background, the police pursuit, and the growing list of charges.

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Domestic Disturbance in Newington Turns Violent

Police say it all started Sunday afternoon at Lacen-Romero’s home in Newington. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance, where they allege he grabbed his wife by the neck and made it hard for her to breathe.

This alleged second-degree strangulation sits at the heart of the case against him.

Threats Against Family Members

Authorities claim Lacen-Romero then threatened to harm himself and the couple’s two sons, ages 8 and 11. His wife tried to get the children out for their safety, which set off a tense series of events involving several police departments.

Kidnapping Allegations and High-Speed Chase

As the kids got into a car, police say Lacen-Romero took control of the vehicle. That’s when the dangerous pursuit began, stretching across town lines and into new territory.

What started in Newington quickly jumped to other communities along Connecticut’s highway system, finally crossing into Fairfield County.

Interstate Pursuit Ends in Stamford Crash

Police chased Lacen-Romero southbound on Interstate 95, the busy corridor linking cities like New Haven, Westport, and Norwalk. The pursuit ended at Exit 7 in Stamford, where he crashed and reportedly caused several accidents nearby.

Local Stamford police worked with other agencies to manage the chaos and keep bystanders safe.

Evidence Found and Ongoing Investigation

Prosecutors say investigators found an electrical wire shaped like a noose in the family’s home, along with witness statements and police reports. This unsettling detail has raised more concerns about threats made during the incident and could play a big part in court.

Military Background and Defense Claims

Lacen-Romero’s defense team points out that he’s a military veteran living with PTSD. They suggest mental health struggles may have played a role in what happened.

Honestly, there’s been a lot of talk in places like Middletown, Waterbury, and Hartford about mental health for veterans, especially after violent incidents.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Right now, Lacen-Romero sits in custody on a $2 million bond. He faces a list of charges, including:

Two counts of first-degree kidnapping
Second-degree strangulation
Risk of injury to a minor
Reckless driving

His next court date is set for September 30. Prosecutors from the New Britain Judicial District plan to bring more evidence then.

People in towns from Glastonbury to Southington are watching closely, given the seriousness of the accusations and the fact that the suspect worked as a state corrections officer.

Community Impact Across Connecticut

Incidents like this ripple out beyond the towns directly involved. Folks in Bridgeport, Stamford, and Hartford have been talking about domestic violence prevention and the pressures facing law enforcement officers.

It also makes you wonder—how can Connecticut get ahead of mental health crises and step in before things spiral out of control?

Final Thoughts

This case really shows how fast a domestic dispute can turn into a multi-town emergency. Innocent people’s lives end up at risk, sometimes in the blink of an eye.

It started in Newington’s quiet neighborhoods and reached all the way to Stamford’s busy streets. Law enforcement jumped into action and coordinated quickly, which probably stopped things from getting even worse.

As the court date gets closer, everyone’s attention shifts to the criminal justice process. But honestly, it’s hard not to wonder about the personal struggles that sometimes drive these violent incidents.

People all over Connecticut—Norwalk, Waterbury, you name it—are hoping that by talking about cases like this, we’ll see stronger support systems. Maybe it’s a bit optimistic, but wouldn’t it be nice if awareness led to better ways to keep families and communities safe?

Here is the source article for this story: DOC officer accused of kidnapping 2 kids in Newington faces judge

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