Inspector General releases new details in shooting where officer fatally shot man
The man who died after being shot by a police officer last week on Capitol Avenue has been identified, according to a preliminary report released by the state’s Office of the Inspector General.
A family member of 53-year-old Everard Walker called 211 around 10 a.m. Thursday for assistance as Walker was suffering from an “acute mental health crisis,” the Inspector General said.
The Capitol Region Mental Health Center asked Hartford police officers to accompany them to 990 Capitol Ave. and assist with their evaluation. Officers initially entered the apartment but retreated because they were concerned Walker might throw a pot of boiling water, according to the report.
Almost an hour after arriving, police tried to reenter the apartment as Walker attempted to close the door while being restrained by his son. A struggle followed between Walker, his son, his daughter, and two Hartford police officers, the report said.
During this altercation, Walker pulled out a knife and “appeared to be poised to stab” Officer Geovanny Rivera, who had fallen backward, according to the report.
Officer Alexander Clifford then fired several shots. Walker was hospitalized with several gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at Saint Francis Hospital, the report said.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the manner of death was homicide and the cause was gunshot wounds to the torso, neck, and right upper extremity. Toxicology results are pending, according to the report.
The Office of Inspector General and the State Police’s Central District Major Crime Squad are continuing to investigate Walker’s death.
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