In West Haven, Connecticut, a 36-year-old man was fatally shot by police officers on Thursday. The man, who was from New Haven, was shot at a car wash by a state police sergeant and two New Haven police officers after reportedly displaying a gun during an investigation by a violent crime task force.
The identities of the man who died and the officers involved in the shooting have not been disclosed. Specific details about the task force investigation have also not been made public.
New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson mentioned that he knew the man who was shot from his earlier days as a patrol officer in the city. Jacobson revealed that he had interacted with the man and his brother through a violence prevention program called Project Longevity, emphasizing the goal of keeping individuals safe and out of trouble. He expressed his sadness over the tragic event and noted that the officers involved were also deeply affected.
Following standard procedures, the officers implicated in the shooting have been put on administrative leave, with others present at the scene granted time off to prioritize their mental well-being. New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker visited the man’s family in the hospital to offer condolences on behalf of the city.
An investigation by the state inspector general is underway to gather more information about the incident. It is anticipated that video footage of the shooting will be released in the coming days to provide greater clarity on the events that transpired.