HARTFORD, Conn. — A Hartford police officer has been terminated following a fatal officer-involved shooting (OIS) involving a man reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis.
According to city officials and a preliminary report from the state inspector general, the incident occurred on February 27, 2026, when officers responded to a call regarding Steven “Stevie” Jones, 55, who was reportedly in an “acute mental health crisis” and armed with a knife.
Authorities state that Jones had allegedly cut himself prior to police arrival and was still holding the knife when officers encountered him on Blue Hills Avenue.
Body-Worn Camera Footage and Police Response
Body-worn camera footage released by the Hartford Police Department shows multiple officers responding to the scene.
- Initial responding officers can be seen attempting verbal de-escalation.
- Officers maintained distance while repeatedly instructing Jones to drop the knife.
- Officers were observed moving backward as Jones advanced.
The footage shows Officer Joseph Magnano arriving shortly after the initial officers.
- Magnano is seen advancing toward Jones with his firearm drawn.
- He issued commands for Jones to drop the weapon.
- Jones continued advancing toward Magnano while holding the knife.
- Magnano discharged his firearm, firing multiple rounds.
According to the inspector general’s preliminary findings, Magnano fired nine shots, striking Jones. Jones was transported to a hospital, where he died four days later.
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Administrative Action and Termination
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam announced that Officer Magnano’s employment was terminated effective immediately.
In a public statement, Arulampalam cited performance concerns based on his review of the incident and body camera footage.
- The mayor stated that three initial officers demonstrated de-escalation efforts.
- He indicated that Magnano’s actions did not meet the department’s professional standards.
- The termination was made following internal review efforts by the city.
Magnano had previously been placed on administrative leave following the shooting.
Ongoing Investigation
The Connecticut Office of the Inspector General is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting.
City officials stated they will continue to cooperate with the investigation and review public safety protocols.
- The investigation remains active and ongoing.
- No final determination from the inspector general has been publicly released.
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Community Response and Public Reaction
The shooting and subsequent termination have drawn responses from community leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement representatives.
Approximately 170 individuals attended Jones’ funeral at First Cathedral in Bloomfield. Civil rights figures including Rev. Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump were present.
Crump, who is representing the Jones family, called for continued transparency and reform regarding police responses to mental health-related calls. He stated that the termination should not conclude the process.
Sharpton publicly supported the mayor’s decision, describing it as an initial step toward accountability.
Union Response
Hartford Police Union President Lt. James Rutkauski issued a statement opposing the termination and calling for Magnano’s reinstatement.
- Rutkauski stated the officer acted lawfully in response to a perceived threat.
- He expressed concern about the impact of the decision on officer response times in critical incidents.
- The union indicated it intends to challenge the termination.
Related Incident
Jones was the second Hartford resident fatally shot by police within a nine-day period.
According to the state inspector general, a separate incident on February 19 involved the fatal shooting of Everard Walker, 53, during a mental health-related call at a residence on Capitol Avenue.
Current Status
- Officer Joseph Magnano has been terminated from employment with the City of Hartford.
- The Connecticut Office of the Inspector General investigation remains ongoing.
- The Hartford Police Union has publicly opposed the termination and may pursue further action.
- No final legal determination regarding the use of force has been issued.
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