Esserman credits community with quick arrest

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- New Haven's police chief offered his condolences to the family of a man killed at a fast-food drive thru, and praised the community for their assistance.  

Chief Dean Esserman and Assistant Police Chief Archie Generoso both thanked the community for their involvement and trust in the officers investigating the homicide that took place Monday night at a Burger King on Whalley Ave.

"One element that astounded all the officer, was the involvement of the community in solving this crime," Generoso said. "People actually walked up to detectives and provided information, which was essential in providing a quick resolution."

"I want to thank our community for trusting in our police department," Esserman said.

Police arrested 18-year-old Quavon Torres for murdering 58-year-old Donald Bradley in the Burger King's drive thru.

Torres was arraigned Tuesday afternoon on charges of murder and interfering with police. He is being held on a $3 million bond.

Police say they have recovered the murder weapon.

A 16-year-old unidentified teen was also arrested and charged with interfering with police.

Police say this was not a random incident, Torres was in the car with Bradley when an argument arouse and became deadly. Two other teenagers were in the car.

Police say Torres was giving the teens a ride to Fair Haven.

"What it was is there was a dispute inside the vehicle among the people in the vehicle. They got out of the vehicle. It resulted in a ridiculous incident where a dispute escalated into gunplay," Mayor John DeStefano said.

Bradley's family did not make a statement, but stood next to the officers who investigated their loved one's murder.

"We grieve with his family," Esserman said. "We offer them our respect and our compassion for their loss."

A third man who was also in the car turned himself in to police Tuesday afternoon.