Yale Cop's Gun Discharged While Responding To Help Person Stabbing Themselves Inside Car: Official

NEW HAVEN, CT— A Yale police officer ended up discharging their firearm while attempting to reach a person, who was attempting to harm themselves, officials said.

At 9:21 a.m. Wednesday, Yale police responded to an incident behind 205 Whitney Avenue, said Duane Lovello, the head of public safety at Yale.

Upon arrival, a responding officer found an individual locked inside a vehicle who was attempting to harm themselves, Lovello said.

"In an effort to intercede, the officer broke the vehicle’s window using a firearm that discharged," Lovello said. "The individual was not struck, and the officer immediately rendered medical aid for self-inflicted injuries once the individual was removed from the vehicle."

The individual was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital for medical care. The responding officer is also undergoing medical evaluation, Lovello added.

The Yale Police Department is cooperating with the Office of the State Inspector General, who will manage the investigation, Lovello said.

"Yale sends its thoughts to all involved in the incident and wishes them well as they receive medical care," Lovello said.

Mayor Justin Elicker's office said they were informed that a person was stabbing themselves, and a Yale police officer discharged a weapon. Elicker said the person is in critical condition at Yale New Haven Hospital, adding he believes their injuries are from stab wounds.

The incident happened in a parking lot near the New Haven Lawn Club, adjacent to the Yale School of Management and across from the Peabody Museum.