United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW HAVEN MAN CONVICTED BY JURY OF POSSESSION OF FIREARM BY A CONVICTED FELON

Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRON HAMMOND, also known as “N.O.,” age 21, formerly of 62 Chambers Street, New Haven, Connecticut, was convicted today of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The verdict was returned following brief deliberation in a trial conducted before United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in federal court in Bridgeport. HAMMOND faces up to ten years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by Judge Hall on December 2, 2004.

Evidence introduced at trial established that, on November 9, 2003, HAMMOND shot and injured Reginald Smith with a Smith & Wesson .44 caliber revolver in the Farnham Court housing complex on Franklin Street in New Haven. Moments after the shooting, a New Haven police officer observed HAMMOND standing over Smith. The officer chased HAMMOND and apprehended him shortly thereafter. HAMMOND was found to be wearing a bullet-proof vest and the revolver was found within feet of where he was apprehended. According to evidence introduced at trial, the Smith & Wesson .44 caliber revolver recovered incident to HAMMOND’s arrest was ballistically matched to another shooting at the Cardinal’s Club on September 7, 2003. HAMMOND was identified by a witness as the shooter in connection with that incident.

"This conviction evidences the resolve of federal, state and local law enforcement authorities to work collaboratively to ensure that those who pose a risk of danger to our communities by illegally possessing guns and or ammunition will be investigated and prosecuted vigorously," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Peter D. Markle, and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents in New Haven and other Connecticut cities. Participants in this initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. More information on the nationwide Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative can be found at www.psn.gov.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov