Hartford Police Shoot Man Carrying Knife on Blue Hills Avenue

Second officer-involved shooting in the city in under 10 days

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A man carrying a knife was shot by a Hartford police officer on Blue Hills Avenue on Friday morning. According to police, officers responded to a report of a 'suicidal man' holding a knife, and the man did not comply with orders to drop the weapon. Officers attempted to stop the man using a taser, but it was unsuccessful. An officer then shot the man, who was transported to the hospital in critical condition. The incident is under investigation by the Connecticut State Police.

Why it matters

This is the second officer-involved shooting in Hartford in under 10 days, raising concerns about police use of force, especially in situations involving mental health crises. The Greater Hartford NAACP has expressed concerns about the community's relationship with the police department and the need for better training.

The details

According to Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert, officers responded to a report of a 'suicidal man' holding a knife on Blue Hills Avenue. The man did not respond to officers' requests to drop the knife. Officers attempted to stop the man using a taser, which was unsuccessful. An officer then shot the man, and he was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

  • The incident occurred on Friday morning, February 28, 2026.
  • Less than 10 days ago, on February 19, 2026, 53-year-old Everard Walker was shot and killed by Hartford police in a separate incident.

The players

Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert

A spokesperson for the Hartford Police Department who provided details about the officer-involved shooting.

Corrie Betts

The president of the Greater Hartford NAACP Adult Branch, who expressed concerns about the police response and the need for better training.

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What they’re saying

“It was a man that was in distress and a community that loved him because they kept talking to him.”

— Corrie Betts, Greater Hartford NAACP Adult Branch President

“The way that that officer responded, I believe he...the whole department needs training.”

— Corrie Betts, Greater Hartford NAACP Adult Branch President

What’s next

The Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Office of the Inspector General are investigating the officer-involved shooting on Blue Hills Avenue.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and tensions between law enforcement and communities, especially when it comes to responding to mental health crises. It underscores the need for improved police training, de-escalation tactics, and stronger community-police relations to prevent such tragic outcomes.