Armed Man Slips Into Medical Insurance Headquarters—Security’s 3-Minute Response Changes Everything

A suspicious person was arrested at Aetna headquarters in Hartford while carrying an AR-style pistol in his backpack, authorities said.

When Hartford police responded to 151 Farmington Ave. at about 10 a.m., they found that the individual had already been detained by security guards. “Aetna security acted quickly, stopping him within three minutes of entering the building,” police said.

Denrey Wadlington, 51, was charged with third-degree criminal trespass, criminal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of an assault weapon and possession of a large-capacity magazine.

“The male was found to be carrying a backpack containing an AR-style pistol and was taken into custody without incident,” Hartford police said in a statement on X.

According to Lt. Aaron Boisvert, it was not immediately clear what Wadlington’s plans were. Hartford police are investigating.

The Associated Press reported that court and public records show he has a criminal history that includes convictions for assault, threats and drug possession.

CVS Health, which is based in Woonsocket and is the parent company of Aetna, released a statement on the incident. “Earlier today, a suspicious person attempted to enter our office, was apprehended immediately by our security team and taken into custody by local police,” the statement said.

The company did not immediately respond to further questions.

The latest arrest comes amid concerns about the safety of health care executives in the country. In December 2024, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in Midtown Manhattan.

Luigi Mangione was charged in Manhattan with Thompson’s killing. Authorities alleged that he was carrying a handwritten letter criticizing the U.S. health care system when he was apprehended. He has become a cause célèbre for some people angry with the health insurance industry.

In February, CVS Health announced its plans to lay off more than 300 remote workers who reported to the Aetna headquarters.

It was not immediately clear whether Wadlington was in any way connected to the health care provider. Anyone with information were urged to call the HPD Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).

In an unrelated incident, New Hartford Police responded to a 911 call right outside the police station in the Orchard Shopping Center at around 8:15 p.m. on April 11.

Based on the investigation and information gathered at the scene, they now say it appears to be a self-inflicted, fatal gunshot wound, and there is no danger to the public. Police said the man was in his 80s, WKTV reported.