Death of Suicidal Hartford Man Under Investigation

HARTFORD, CT — The Connecticut State's Attorney's Office is investigating the death of a 44-year-old man whop had been in the custody of Hartford police.

At 2:09 p.m. Tuesday, Hartford Police Department patrol officers were dispatched to 590 Wethersfield Avenue on a report of a man in distress, possibly high or intoxicated, needing medical attention. The 911 caller described the man needing help as acting erratically, Deputy Chief Brian Foley said.

When officers arrived, they found the man trying to jump out a window. He appeared to be delusional and showing signs consistent with narcotics use. Ambulance personnel were already requested and responding. Officers attempted to verbally calm the man, and in an effort to prevent him from further injuring himself, the officers placed the man in handcuffs without the use of physical force, Foley said.

When emergency medical personnel arrived, the man was transported to Hartford Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at Hartford Hospital at 3:43 p.m., Foley said.

The Major Crimes squad responded, and as a matter of standard protocol, HPD Internal Affairs Division responded as well. This incident will be handled as an “in custody death” investigation. As a result, HPD contacted the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office. In an effort to maintain community trust, the investigation will be handled externally by the Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office, Foley said.

"We will attempt to keep our community as well informed as possible as information becomes available to us," Foley said.

Photo credit: Hartford Police Department