Hartford Inspector General to Release Update on Officer-Involved Shooting During Mental Health Call

Preliminary report and body camera footage expected in the coming days as investigation continues into incident on Blue Hills Avenue.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Connecticut Office of Inspector General is expected to release body camera footage and a preliminary report in the coming days as it continues to investigate a Hartford police shooting that officers said involved a man in a mental health crisis on Blue Hills Avenue. Cell phone video obtained by Channel 3 shows the moments leading up to the shooting, with the man holding a large knife and officers repeatedly ordering him to drop it.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about how police respond to mental health crises, with protesters marching to Hartford Police Headquarters over the weekend calling for accountability. The shooting was the second involving someone in a mental health crisis in Hartford within eight days.

The details

Police said a Taser was deployed before the video began, but it did not work. The video shows the man move closer to an officer, and after several commands, the officer fires several shots, hitting him. The man is currently in critical condition.

  • The shooting occurred on Friday.
  • Protesters marched to Hartford Police Headquarters over the weekend.
  • The first police shooting involving someone in a mental health crisis happened on Feb. 19.

The players

Connecticut Office of Inspector General

The state agency investigating the officer-involved shooting.

Hartford Police

The police department involved in the shooting incident.

Kamora Harrington

The owner of Kamora's Cultural Corner, who was among the protesters calling for accountability.

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What they’re saying

“I'm very happy that people showed up for Black human beings who are being murdered in the City of Hartford right now and I'm hoping the conversations that need to happen can happen so the folks who say that all oppressions are connected will see that they really are and continue to do the work.”

— Kamora Harrington, Owner, Kamora's Cultural Corner (Channel 3)

What’s next

The Office of Inspector General continues to investigate the shooting, and more information on the man's condition could be released Monday or later this week. A full report may take longer.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in how police respond to mental health crises, and the need for continued dialogue and reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of all community members.