Tragedy Strikes Hartford: 22-Year-Old Dayvon Comeaux Killed in Drive-By Shooting That Leads to Fatal Car Crash, Two-Year-Old Son Survives by Miraculous Fortune
Hartford, Connecticut — November 5, 2024
By Channel2 NOW Staff
In a devastating turn of events on Monday evening, a 22-year-old man was fatally shot during a drive-by attack, causing a violent crash that ended his life and sent shockwaves through the Hartford community. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight near Dunkin’ Park — home to the Hartford Yard Goats minor league baseball team — has left police and residents searching for answers. The victim, identified as Dayvon Comeaux, was tragically killed in the shooting, but his two-year-old son, who was seated in the backseat of the vehicle, miraculously escaped harm despite the violence that erupted in close proximity to him.
The sequence of events that led to Comeaux’s death began around 4:18 p.m. on November 4, 2024, when Hartford police received multiple reports of gunfire near the intersection of Pleasant Street and Main Street, just steps from the bustling downtown area and a stone’s throw from Dunkin’ Park. Officers arrived at the scene moments later, finding a heavily damaged white Honda Accord with bullet holes throughout the vehicle, evidence of the violent encounter that had just occurred. Tragically, Comeaux, who was driving the vehicle, was found unresponsive with several gunshot wounds. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Adding to the horror of the situation, Comeaux’s young child, who was strapped into a car seat in the back of the Honda, survived the attack without injury. Police reported that a bullet hole was found just inches from the child’s head, a chilling reminder of the randomness and brutality of the shooting. Authorities confirmed that the child, who was not harmed in the incident, was taken to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center as a precautionary measure but was quickly cleared of any physical injury.
Gunfire Erupts at Busy Intersection Near Dunkin’ Park
The shooting took place at a busy intersection in Hartford, just as the city’s afternoon rush hour was beginning to wind down. According to the Hartford Police Department, the white Honda Accord was stopped at a red light when a suspect vehicle approached from behind. Without warning, the suspect vehicle pulled up alongside the Honda and opened fire, unloading multiple rounds into the vehicle before fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. As the bullets struck the Honda, it rolled backward and crashed into a tree just yards away.
Officers on the scene found the Honda riddled with bullet holes, and inside, they discovered Comeaux slumped over the steering wheel, having been struck by multiple gunshots. Emergency responders attempted to revive him, but he was later pronounced dead at Hartford Hospital.
The shooting occurred in a densely populated area of the city, not far from the intersection of Main Street and Pleasant Street, where heavy traffic and pedestrian foot traffic are common at that time of day. The proximity to Dunkin’ Park — home to the Hartford Yard Goats — also raised concerns about the safety of nearby pedestrians and fans attending events at the stadium. While no other injuries were reported, the close timing of the shooting to an evening game prompted heightened fears among local residents and visitors.
Witnesses reported hearing at least five or six gunshots, which echoed across the downtown area, creating a sense of panic as people scrambled to find cover. Several nearby businesses, including a local cafe and a grocery store, were forced to temporarily close as the police secured the scene. Though it was not immediately clear whether the suspect knew Comeaux personally, police have not ruled out the possibility that the shooting was targeted.
A Father’s Loss and a Community in Shock
The death of Dayvon Comeaux has left his family and the Hartford community reeling. Friends, family members, and neighbors have described him as a loving father who was dedicated to providing a better life for his young son. “Dayvon was a good guy. He worked hard and was always there for his kid,” said a close family friend, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “This is just senseless, and now his little boy is going to grow up without a dad.”
The child’s survival is being hailed as nothing short of a miracle. Police say that the child’s car seat was positioned directly behind the driver’s seat, mere inches away from where one of the bullets struck. The presence of a bullet hole so close to the child has left many asking questions about how the young boy escaped unscathed. “It’s hard to believe that the baby wasn’t hurt,” said another local resident, visibly shaken by the tragic event. “It’s a blessing, but it’s also a reminder of how dangerous things can get in this city.”
Community leaders have expressed their outrage over the shooting and called for increased efforts to combat gun violence in Hartford. “This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to address the root causes of violence in our communities,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. “Dayvon’s death, especially in such a public way, should drive us all to action. We cannot allow this to become the norm.”
In the wake of Comeaux’s death, calls for greater investment in youth programs, community outreach, and gun violence prevention have gained momentum. Local organizations and activists are rallying together to push for legislative changes that would strengthen laws around gun ownership and the penalties for those caught illegally possessing firearms.
Investigation and Search for Suspect
The investigation into the shooting has intensified, with police combing through evidence from the scene and seeking information from witnesses. Authorities say that the suspect vehicle, a dark-colored sedan, was seen speeding away from the scene immediately after the shooting. Just hours after the incident, the Hartford Police Major Crimes Division and Crime Scene Divisions were called in to lead the investigation, which has been labeled as the city’s 16th homicide of the year.
The suspect’s vehicle was located a short time later in Tolland, a neighboring town about 20 miles north of Hartford. However, the suspect or suspects involved in the shooting have not yet been apprehended. Police have not released a detailed description of the vehicle or the shooter but are asking anyone with information to come forward.
“We are actively pursuing all leads, and we encourage anyone who may have witnessed anything or has relevant information to contact us immediately,” said Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody. “We are committed to bringing justice to Dayvon Comeaux’s family and holding those responsible accountable.”
The shooting has added to the growing concerns over rising gun violence in Hartford, a city that has seen an uptick in shootings and homicides over the past several years. In 2024 alone, Hartford has recorded 16 homicides, and many residents fear that the city is on the brink of a crisis.
Impact on the Community and Calls for Change
This tragic incident has renewed calls for increased community safety measures and a larger investment in programs designed to prevent gun violence, especially in Hartford’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. Local organizations have been vocal in their efforts to address the root causes of gun violence, such as poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and systemic inequality.
Hartford’s Black and Latino communities, in particular, have been disproportionately affected by violence. Advocates have long pushed for stronger community-based interventions, including violence interruption programs, mentorship for at-risk youth, and a more robust police-community relationship built on trust and collaboration.
“We need to invest in our communities, in our youth, and in programs that give people a chance to make a better life for themselves,” said Carla Nichols, a community organizer with the group “Hartford for Peace.” “The violence we’re seeing here isn’t just a public safety issue; it’s a public health issue. Until we address the underlying causes of this violence, we’ll continue to see more tragedies like this one.”
A City Left to Mourn and Reflect
As Hartford grapples with yet another senseless killing, residents are left to reflect on the fragility of life and the urgent need for change. The fact that Dayvon Comeaux’s son survived the incident has brought a glimmer of hope in an otherwise heartbreaking story, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and cruelty of gun violence.
In the days following Comeaux’s death, memorials have begun to spring up in the community, with candles and photographs honoring the young man’s life and the memory of his tragic passing. As Hartford continues to process the impact of this tragedy, it is clear that the need for action to curb violence in the city has never been more urgent.
This story, while heart-wrenching in its details, also underscores the strength and resilience of Hartford’s people, who continue to stand in solidarity with the victims of violence and push for a safer, more just future for their children. Dayvon Comeaux’s death, while a tragic loss, is also a call to action for all those who care about the future of Hartford.
