VIDEO: Footage Released Of Officer-Involved Shooting Last Friday In Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — The state Office of Inspector General is investigating the Feb. 27 police shooting of a 55-year-old Hartford man during what authorities described as an acute mental health crisis.

Inspector General Eliot D. Prescott said the shooting occurred shortly after 11 a.m. on Blue Hills Avenue and involved officers from the Hartford Police Department, according to a report released Monday.

The man, identified as Steven Jones, remains in critical condition in an intensive care unit, according to the report.

According to Prescott, a family member called 911 around 11 a.m. seeking assistance because Jones had cut himself and was holding a knife. Officers were dispatched to 687 Blue Hills Ave.

Officer Josue Charles arrived at 11:07 a.m. and saw Jones standing on a small front stoop holding what authorities described as a large knife.

Jones walked from the stoop onto the sidewalk and toward Charles, who maintained distance.

When Jones did not comply with commands to drop the knife, Charles deployed his Taser several times, but it did not immobilize Jones or secure compliance, the report said.

Officer James Prignano then arrived at 11:09 a.m.

As he exited his cruiser, Jones chased him around the vehicle and into the middle of Blue Hills Avenue. Prignano backpedaled and maintained distance, according to the report.

Jones then slowed to a walk but continued holding the knife.

At 11:10 a.m., Officer Jackeline Torres arrived and joined the other officers in attempting to persuade Jones to drop the knife.

With their service firearms drawn, the three officers formed a small semicircle around Jones in the street while continuing to engage him.

Authorities said Jones did not speak to officers. Several bystanders nearby also urged him to drop the knife.

Officer Joseph Magnano arrived at 11:12 a.m. near the intersection of Blue Hills Avenue and Euclid Street.

After exiting his cruiser, he approached Jones with his firearm drawn and ordered him to drop the knife.

As Jones walked toward him, Magnano repeatedly ordered him to drop it and stated, “You’re going to get shot,” according to the report and footage of the shooting.

Magnano continued walking backward as Jones advanced. When the two reached the middle of the intersection, Magnano yelled, “Last time, drop the knife, drop it,” and fired nine shots, according to the inspector general’s report.

Jones fell to the ground with multiple gunshot wounds.

Torres began providing medical aid, and emergency medical personnel arrived within two minutes and transported Jones to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

The inspector general’s office, along with the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad, is continuing the investigation.

Body-worn camera and dashboard camera footage from the officers involved has been released with a warning that it contains disturbing images and explicit language.

Friday's shooting was the second time in a little more than a week that police opened fire on a man wielding a knife.

On Feb. 19, Hartford police shot and killed a knife-wielding man in his apartment after a reported mental health check turned violent.

The family of the victim has announced their intent to sue the City of Hartford and the Hartford Police Department regarding that incident.

State officials on Monday released police footage of the Feb. 27 incident, which can be seen below.

Editor's note: The following video contain disturbing images and explicit language. Viewer discretion is advised.

To read the full preliminary report from the CT Office of the Inspector General, click on this link.

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'