Authorities deem Connecticut police shooting ‘dubious,’ but opt against legal action

In Ansonia, Connecticut, a recent report by the state’s inspector general revealed that the police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Jonathan Bell last year may not have acted justifiably, and their methods were flawed. However, there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges against them.

On February 4, 2024, three officers from Bridgeport fired at Bell following a high-speed chase that ended when his vehicle collided with a residence. According to the officers, a confidential informant had indicated that Bell was armed, leading them to believe that Bell was not complying with their commands. At one point, he made a sudden movement they interpreted as reaching for a weapon, compelling them to respond with gunfire.

The inspector general’s findings indicated that Bell was unarmed at the time of the shooting. While police discovered pellet guns resembling real firearms, along with knives in the vehicle, none were accessible to Bell when the officers opened fire.

Inspector General Robert Devlin criticized several aspects of the officers’ actions, stating they should have terminated the pursuit due to its hazardous nature. He also pointed out their failure to de-escalate the situation after the crash, as well as questioning the decision to use lethal force when Bell moved suddenly. “The evidence does not, however, meet the legal standard to prove an unjustified shooting,” Devlin stated, but emphasized that the substandard police work documented demands accountability. He expressed confidence that the Bridgeport Police Department’s command staff would address these issues appropriately.

A spokesperson for the Bridgeport Police Department mentioned that Chief Roderick Porter and his team were actively reviewing the inspector general’s report. Tiadora Josef, the spokesperson, highlighted the department’s commitment to ongoing education and training for officers. She also extended condolences to the loved ones of Jonathan Mark Lewis Bell.