Hartford Police Fatally Shoot Man During Mental Health Crisis

The Office of the Inspector General confirms the man died from his injuries on Tuesday.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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A 55-year-old man, Steven Jones, was fatally shot by a Hartford police officer on Friday after police were called to respond to his mental health crisis. Jones was holding a large knife and refused to drop it despite repeated requests from multiple officers on the scene. After deploying a Taser unsuccessfully, one of the officers shot Jones nine times, and he later died from his injuries.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges police face when responding to mental health emergencies and the need for improved crisis intervention training and resources to de-escalate such situations without the use of lethal force. It also comes amid heightened scrutiny of police shootings, particularly those involving individuals experiencing mental health crises.

The details

Police were called by a family member of Steven Jones, 55, around 11 a.m. on Friday to his apartment on Blue Hills Ave. in Hartford. The family member said Jones was having an acute mental health crisis and had a knife in his hand. When officers arrived, Jones walked out onto the street with the knife and approached Officer Josue Charles, who backed away and tried unsuccessfully to deploy his Taser. Three more officers arrived to assist, and they all asked Jones to drop the knife, but he refused. As Jones continued to approach Officer Joseph Magnano with the knife, Magnano shot him nine times. Jones was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries on Tuesday.

  • Police were called to Jones' apartment around 11 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2026.
  • Jones was shot by Officer Magnano on Friday, March 1, 2026.
  • Jones died from his injuries on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Steven Jones

A 55-year-old Hartford resident who was experiencing a mental health crisis when police were called to his apartment.

Officer Josue Charles

A Hartford police officer who initially responded to the call and tried to deploy his Taser on Jones.

Officer Joseph Magnano

A Hartford police officer who ultimately shot Jones nine times after Jones refused to drop the knife and approached Magnano.

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What they’re saying

“You're going to get shot.”

— Officer Joseph Magnano, Hartford Police Officer (nbcconnecticut.com)

“Last time, drop the knife, drop it.”

— Officer Joseph Magnano, Hartford Police Officer (nbcconnecticut.com)

What’s next

The Office of the Inspector General and the State Police's Central District Major Crime Squad will continue the investigation into the shooting.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved police training and resources to effectively respond to mental health crises without resorting to lethal force. It also raises broader questions about policing practices and accountability when it comes to use of force, particularly against individuals experiencing mental health emergencies.