Hartford Man Fatally Shot by Police During Mental Health Wellness Check

Hartford Officer Shoots Man During Mental Health Call at Capitol Avenue Apartment

A 53-year-old Hartford man was fatally shot by police on February 19 during a mental health wellness check at his apartment on Capitol Avenue, according to the Connecticut Office of the Inspector General. Everard Walker was pronounced dead at Saint Francis Hospital after being struck by gunfire from Officer Alexander Clifford during a struggle inside the apartment at 990 Capitol Avenue in the Whitney Manor Apartments complex.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Walker's death a homicide caused by gunshot wounds to his torso, neck and right arm, NBC Connecticut reported.

Family Called 211 Seeking Help

The incident began around 10 a.m. when a family member called Connecticut's 211 helpline because Walker was experiencing what the Inspector General's preliminary report described as "an acute mental health crisis." Two mental health professionals from the Capitol Region Mental Health Center requested that Hartford police officers accompany them to Walker's apartment to assist with the evaluation.

Officers Geovanny Rivera and Alexander Clifford responded to the call alongside the mental health professionals. When they arrived at the apartment, officers initially entered but retreated after Walker appeared to threaten them with a pot of boiling water, according to the preliminary report. A mental health professional then spoke with Walker from the hallway through the open apartment door.

Almost an hour after arriving at the scene, officers attempted to re-enter the apartment. Walker tried to close the door while his son attempted to restrain him. During the struggle, Walker pulled a knife, according to the Inspector General's report.

"One or more officers ordered Walker to drop the knife, but he did not do so," the report stated. Walker "appeared to be poised to stab" Officer Rivera, who had fallen during the altercation. Officer Clifford then fired several shots from his department-issued firearm.

Officers provided medical aid at the scene before paramedics transported Walker to Saint Francis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Inspector General Releases Preliminary Findings

On February 23, Inspector General Robert Prescott released a preliminary report on the shooting along with bodycam footage from the responding officers. Walker's daughter, who was present during the incident, recorded portions of the encounter on an iPad. That recording was also included in the release, WFSB confirmed.

The Inspector General's office is responsible for investigating all police use-of-force incidents that result in death in Connecticut. Prescott is tasked with determining whether Officer Clifford's use of deadly force was justified under state law.

Toxicology results for Walker are still pending. A complete review of all bodycam footage and further analysis of the use-of-force incident are ongoing as part of the investigation by the Inspector General's office and the Connecticut State Police. No timeline has been provided for the final report.

Co-Response Model Under Scrutiny

The February 19 call followed what is known as a co-response model, in which mental health professionals and police officers respond to crisis calls together. The Capitol Region Mental Health Center initiated the request for police accompaniment in this case.

The model is designed to pair clinical expertise with law enforcement support during mental health emergencies. In this instance, both mental health professionals and two officers were present at the apartment before the fatal encounter.

No final determinations have been made about the legality or appropriateness of the officers' actions. The investigation remains open.

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