Hartford

Officer Shoots Armed Man in Hartford, Conn.: Police

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A police officer shot an armed man who was reportedly acting erratically in Hartford on Saturday night and authorities said the man has died of his injuries.

According to a news release from the Chief of Hartford Police Jason Thody, police received a 911 call around 8:56 p.m. Saturday to report an armed man in the area of 25 Gilman St.

Police said the 911 caller described the man as acting erratically with a gun.

When officers arrived, they found the man was armed with a rifle with a scope and a handgun, police said.

Connecticut State Police
The rifle and handgun found by police.

Authorities said the officers spent several minutes asking the man to put the guns down as he walked through the street and neighborhoods.

Based on initial reports, it appears the man did not comply with the officers' request to drop his weapons.

A police officer shot an armed suspect in Hartford on Saturday night and authorities said the suspect is in critical condition.

According to police, officers followed the man into the back parking lot of 14-16 Gilman St. where once again they advised him to drop his weapons.

After several pleas from officers to drop the weapons were ignored, an officer said the man pointed his weapon at them.

The officer fired her service weapon once, striking the man, authorities said. The man was transported to Hartford Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition and later died on Sunday, according to police. His identity has not been released.

On Sunday afternoon, police identified the officer who shot her weapon as Ashley Martinez, a four-year veteran of the department.

No police officers were injured in the incident.

During the investigation, officers learned that the man was armed with an assault rifle with a scope as well as a handgun with a flashlight mounted to it.

The body camera footage worn by multiple officers who responded was handed over to the State's Attorney.

In accordance with state law, the State's Attorney for the Ansonia-Milford Judicial District has begun an investigation with the State Police's Eastern District Major Crimes Squad.

“We are cooperating fully with the State as the investigation into this shooting begins, and we will work with the State to release as much information to the public as we can,” said Chief Thody.

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