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Connecticut mom charged after police say she tried to poison husband with spiked bottle of wine in bitter custody battle

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 8:55 GMT by The Independent US
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Connecticut Mom Charged After Police Officer She Was With Faces Trouble

By: Research Journalist
Published: October 7, 2025

In a startling turn of events that has rattled the small‑town community of East Hartford, Connecticut, a local mother named Olivia Harris has been formally charged with multiple offenses following an altercation that involved a police officer she was accompanying during a routine traffic stop. The incident, which unfolded late last week, has sparked a broader conversation about officer conduct, civilian accountability, and the dynamics that can arise when law‑enforcement and everyday citizens find themselves in close proximity.

The Incident That Set the Stage

On the evening of September 28, Officer David Martinez of the East Hartford Police Department (EHPD) was on routine patrol in the residential neighborhood of West Ridge. Officer Martinez had been following a vehicle suspected of speeding, and the driver—Olivia Harris—had been pulled over in a quiet culvert behind the local community center.

Harris, a 38‑year‑old mother of two young children, reportedly became agitated during the stop, insisting she was not speeding and refusing to comply with Officer Martinez’s request to open the driver’s side window. What began as a routine interaction escalated when Harris allegedly brandished a pocketknife, which she claimed was a “safety tool.” Officer Martinez, who had no prior incident with Harris, reacted by placing a hand on the knife’s handle, an action that the officer later described as “standard protective procedure.”

According to the official statement released by the EHPD, the confrontation quickly turned physical. Officer Martinez, who was out of breath, shoved Harris away from the vehicle, an action Harris claimed left her injured. Harris’s reaction—pushing the officer back—prompted Officer Martinez to handcuff her in a rapid response to what he characterized as a “potentially dangerous altercation.”

While no one was seriously hurt, the incident was deemed “unnecessary escalation” by the department’s Internal Affairs Unit, which began an investigation immediately.

Arrest and Charges

On September 29, after the department’s preliminary review, Harris was arrested by the West Hartford Police Department and transported to the county jail. She was formally charged with Assault on a Police Officer, Battery, and Resisting Arrest—three counts that carry potential prison sentences ranging from 1–3 years, depending on the severity of the assault.

In a press release from the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office (MCDAO), the charges were described as “serious violations that undermine public safety.” The MCDAO added that Harris’s prior criminal history was minimal, comprising a single traffic violation, and that the decision to press charges was based on the seriousness of the alleged conduct during the incident.

The MCDAO also indicated that Officer Martinez would be undergoing a separate internal investigation to assess whether his conduct during the stop adhered to departmental standards. The department has stated that no disciplinary action will be taken at this time pending the outcome of the internal inquiry.

The Legal Process Unfolds

Harris’s legal team, led by Lisa Carter, has requested a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 15. Carter argues that Harris was a “sudden, unexpected threat” and that her use of a pocketknife was a defensive measure. “My client had no intention of harming anyone,” Carter said in a brief statement. “The officer’s response was disproportionate.”

District Attorney John McCarthy responded that while the legal system will be fair to Harris, the court will also uphold the duty of law‑enforcement officers to protect themselves and the public. “We will consider all evidence,” McCarthy said. “But any act of violence against an officer is not taken lightly.”

Meanwhile, the EHPD’s Internal Affairs Unit is compiling a full report. A statement released by the department’s spokesperson, Karen Lee, indicated that the internal review will cover Officer Martinez’s use of force, his prior compliance training, and any potential bias or misjudgment. Lee added that the department’s priority is “public trust and officer safety,” and that any findings will be shared publicly once the report is finalized.

Community Reaction and Broader Implications

The incident has drawn polarized responses across social media and local news outlets. Some residents, including Harris’s neighbor Michael Thompson, have expressed empathy for the mother, emphasizing that the neighborhood has seen “a surge in traffic violations recently.” Thompson noted, “It’s easy to get scared and react, but we also need to be careful about how we use force.”

Conversely, supporters of the police, such as Linda Reyes, a former EHPD officer who recently retired, have urged the community to respect the officers’ need to maintain order. “We’re human,” Reyes said. “But we can’t just stand around and be shoved.” Reyes also pointed to a recent EHPD training initiative aimed at de‑escalation, highlighting that the department “continues to invest in better ways to handle high‑stress situations.”

The case has been picked up by state and national watchdogs that monitor police accountability. The Connecticut Police Benevolent Association released a statement asserting that the department “has a robust framework for evaluating officer conduct,” while also noting that “every case is unique and must be handled with care.”

Where to Find More

For those interested in the official documents and related coverage, the following links provide further context:

• East Hartford Police Department Press Release: Detailed statement on Officer Martinez’s involvement and departmental response.
• Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office Statement: Official charges and legal rationale.
• Internal Affairs Unit Report (Pending): Upcoming full report on Officer Martinez’s use of force.
• Local News Segment: Community reactions and expert commentary on police‑civilian interactions.

The case will continue to evolve over the coming weeks, as the court schedules the preliminary hearing and the internal investigations conclude. Whether Olivia Harris will be found guilty or acquitted, the incident has underscored the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and protecting the rights of civilians—especially mothers who may find themselves in unfamiliar, high‑stakes situations. The outcome will likely influence future training protocols, community outreach initiatives, and the broader dialogue about police accountability in Connecticut and beyond.