New Report Outlines New Details In Fatal Hartford Police Shooting Feb. 27: State

HARTFORD, CT — State investigators on Friday released an updated report regarding a fatal shooting by police last week of a 55-year-old Hartford man having a mental health crisis.

A man experiencing an acute mental health crisis died days after being shot by a Hartford police officer on Blue Hills Avenue on Feb. 27, according to a preliminary report released Friday, March 6, by the state inspector general.

Steven Jones, 55, died from his injuries on March 3.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on March 4 and determined the cause of death was “complications of gunshot wounds involving the torso,” according to the report.

The manner of death was ruled homicide. Toxicology results are pending.

The shooting is under investigation by the state Office of Inspector General and the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.

The Feb. 27 encounter began around 11 a.m. when a family member of Jones called 911 seeking help, reporting that Jones had cut himself and was holding a knife, the report said.

Several Hartford police officers were dispatched to 687 Blue Hills Ave. Officer Josue Charles was the first to arrive at 11:07 a.m. and saw Jones standing on a small front stoop at the entrance to his apartment holding a large knife, according to the report.

Jones soon moved from the stoop to the sidewalk and began walking toward Charles. The officer maintained distance and repeatedly ordered him to drop the knife. Charles deployed his Taser multiple times, but it did not immobilize Jones or secure his compliance, investigators said.

Officer James Prignano arrived at 11:09 a.m. to assist. Jones then chased Prignano around his cruiser and into the middle of Blue Hills Avenue, though the officer was able to back away and maintain distance. Jones eventually slowed to a walk but continued holding the knife.

A third officer, Jackeline Torres, arrived at 11:10 a.m. The three officers drew their service weapons and formed a small semicircle around Jones in the street while continuing to order him to drop the knife. According to the report, Jones did not appear to speak to officers during the encounter. Bystanders nearby also attempted to persuade him to drop the weapon.

Officer Joseph Magnano arrived at 11:12 a.m. near the intersection of Blue Hills Avenue and Euclid Street. After exiting his cruiser, Magnano approached with his firearm drawn and ordered Jones to drop the knife, investigators said.

As Jones walked toward him, Magnano repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon and warned him: “You’re going to get shot.”

Magnano continued backing away as Jones advanced. When the two reached the middle of the intersection, Magnano yelled, “Last time, drop the knife, drop it,” and then fired nine shots from his service weapon, according to the report.

Jones fell to the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. Torres immediately began providing medical aid, investigators said. Emergency medical personnel arrived within two minutes and transported Jones to a hospital, where he died on March 3.

The shooting is under investigation by the state Office of Inspector General and the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.

Body-worn camera footage from the responding officers and dashboard camera video from Magnano’s cruiser have been released with the report.

From March 3: 'Man Shot By Hartford Cop Last Week Dies From Injuries: State'

From March 2: 'VIDEO: Footage Released Of Officer-Involved Shooting Last Friday In Hartford'

From March 2: 'Leaders Seek Answers Following Officer-Involved Shooting In Hartford'

From Feb. 27: 'Hartford Police Shoot Knife-Wielding Man Late Friday Morning: Reports'

For the preliminary inspector general's report released on Friday, March 6, click on this link.