STAMFORD, CT – A Connecticut correction officer is facing multiple charges after police say he led officers on a chase and barricaded himself inside a vehicle with two young children for more than seven hours.
Authorities identified the suspect as 36-year-old John Lacen-Romero, who was taken into custody following the tense standoff in September.
Police said the situation ended safely after hours of negotiation by Stamford’s Special Response Team.
Key Points
- Correction officer John Lacen-Romero accused of barricading himself with two children after police chase
- Seven-hour standoff ended peacefully after negotiation by Stamford police
- Lacen-Romero remains held on $2 million bond and faces multiple felony charges
Dangerous pursuit leads to barricade
According to Stamford police, Lacen-Romero led officers on a pursuit before coming to a stop and refusing to release two children who were inside the vehicle. The confrontation unfolded over several hours as crisis negotiators worked to de-escalate the situation.
Officers surrounded the vehicle while maintaining communication with the suspect to protect the children’s safety. Both children were eventually rescued and taken to Stamford Hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries.
Charges filed in multiple jurisdictions
Lacen-Romero faces several charges in Stamford, including first-degree unlawful restraint, interfering with officers, reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, and two counts of risk of injury to a child.
Authorities said he also faces additional serious charges out of Newington related to the initial assault and abduction that led to the incident.
Police commend teamwork in tense rescue
Officials credited the successful resolution to coordinated efforts between Stamford Police, Newington Police, Connecticut State Police, and other responding agencies.
“This incident could have ended much differently,” police said in a statement, noting the professionalism and patience shown by officers during the standoff.
Lacen-Romero remains in custody on a $2 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court on December 15.