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In a statement sent to Patch Monday morning, Krayeske did not deny Alexander-Garcia’s role in the car theft/carjacking incidents.

But, he still claimed Teeter did not follow proper police protocols to subdue the suspect and the suspect’s death was unnecessary.

Earlier this year, Alexander-Garcia’s family filed a $75 million lawsuit against the WHPD, alleging police negligence in the shooting.

Monday, Krayeske criticized Devlin’s report.

“We are deeply disappointed by the Office of Inspector General’s report and findings. Mike was a son and brother, and his death was completely unnecessary,” wrote Krayeske to Patch.

“Had Officer Teeter made different decisions that day, Mike would still be alive. We know what Mike did that day. But it is the job of our police officers to mitigate danger and risk rather than increase it.”

Alexander-Garcia was fleeing police after a stolen car he was in crashed amid a WHPD pursuit. He had entered the Toyota as it was parked for service in the Town Fair Tire garage.

With Alexander-Garcia behind the wheel, Teeter shot and killed the suspect as Alexander-Garcia slammed on the gas and attempted to flee with Teeter and a local police dog in the front.

The Rav 4 slammed into a utility pole just outside the garage and was disabled. Alexander-Garcia was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Teeter suffered injuries in the incident and has, since, recovered while the police K-9 was uninjured.

In a 63-page report released Thursday afternoon, Devlin said lethal force was justified because Alexander-Garcia was using a stolen vehicle (the Toyota Rav 4) as a potentially “lethal weapon.”

As a result, Devlin said Teeter’s use of force was necessary to save himself and the lives of those nearby.

Krayeske, however, disputed that claim.

“Lifting a police dog into the car Mike was in and then jumping into the car created the situation that led Officer Teeter to shoot Mike five times. This was over-aggressive police work that led to tragic results,” Krayeske said.

“Mike was shot at point blank range as he begged for his life as a K-9 attacked and bit him. Officer Teeter failed to issue clear commands beyond shouting that he was going to shoot Mike. We believe the officer could have behaved less aggressively, issued clear commands, and used pepper spray or a Taser to end this situation in a non-lethal way,” continued Krayeske.

Following the state report, West Hartford Corporation Counsel Dallas C. Dodge said the town will defend itself to the fullest against the lawsuit, saying the ruling shows how serious a situation the incident was back in August 2023.

Town officials, including the police chief and mayor, expressed support for the state report and Teeter being cleared, while also calling the fatal shooting a tragedy.

Krayeske, however, said, “The OIG report does not assess a multiple-minute delay in medical care for Mike and, additionally, lacks any critical assessment of police action that day.”

The attorney for Alexander-Garcia’s family said the lawsuit will continue in Hartford Superior Court and the decision doesn’t change the family’s belief about what happened that day.

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“Our community deserves better. Mike and his family deserve better. We will continue to seek justice and accountability on behalf of Mike and his family by all means possible,” said Krayeske Monday.

From Dec. 20: ‘West Hartford Officials React To Local Cop’s Exoneration: UPDATE’

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