Hartford, Connecticut: Connecticut’s Office of Inspector General has released body-worn and dashboard camera footage, along with a preliminary report, detailing a Hartford police shooting that occurred on February 27, 2026, on Blue Hills Avenue near Euclid Street.
Police were called after a family member requested help for 55-year-old Steven Jones, who investigators said was experiencing an acute mental health crisis and was armed with a large knife. The Inspector General’s preliminary account states that Officer Josue Charles arrived first and encountered Jones at the entrance area of an apartment building, repeatedly ordering him to drop the knife as Jones moved toward the sidewalk and into the street.
According to the Inspector General, Officer Charles deployed a Taser multiple times, but it did not immobilize Jones. Within minutes, additional officers arrived, including Officer James Prignano and Officer Jackeline Torres, and the bodycam footage shows continued commands to drop the knife and repeated efforts to slow the encounter.
The preliminary report says the fourth officer to arrive, Officer Joseph Magnano, approached with his firearm drawn as Jones continued moving with the knife in hand. In the released footage, Magnano is heard issuing multiple warnings while stepping backward to maintain distance as Jones advanced into the intersection area. Investigators reported Magnano fired nine shots, and Jones fell with what the report described as numerous gunshot wounds.
The Inspector General’s report states that Torres began rendering medical aid and EMS arrived within about two minutes to transport Jones to the hospital. CT Insider later reported the Office of Inspector General confirmed Jones died after the shooting.
The release comes amid heightened scrutiny in Hartford following two police shootings involving men reportedly in mental distress within a short span of time, prompting protests and demands for accountability. Community leaders have argued the city needs stronger non police crisis options and clearer protocols for mental health calls.
At the same time, the footage shows officers spending several minutes issuing verbal commands, attempting less-lethal options, and trying to maintain distance in an unpredictable environment that included a busy roadway.
The Hartford Police Union publicly defended the officer’s actions, stating the shooting was justified under federal and state law based on the threat posed by an armed subject advancing despite commands and a failed Taser deployment. The union also called for more support and better tools for officers responding to mental health crises, arguing police should not be the default responders for behavioral health emergencies.
The Office of Inspector General and Connecticut State Police investigators are continuing to review the incident, including video, radio traffic, and the 911 call information referenced in reporting. Any final determinations on the use of force will come after the investigation is completed.
