The Connecticut Office of the Inspector General released a report on Tuesday confirming that Hartford police officer Alexander Clifford was legally justified in using deadly force against 53‑year‑old Everard Walker on Feb. 19. The incident occurred inside an apartment at 990 Capitol Avenue after Walker’s son called 211 to report his father’s mental‑health crisis.
Background of the emergency
Workers from the Capitol Region Mobile Crisis Unit arrived with two Hartford police officers to evaluate Walker. According to the report, Walker initially refused to speak with the crisis workers and later engaged in a physical struggle with his son while trying to close the apartment door. Officer Giovanny Rivera intervened to separate them.
When officers retreated into the hallway, Walker grabbed a pot of boiling liquid and appeared to attempt to throw it at the officers. Additional officers, including Officer Clifford, responded to the escalating situation. Sergeant Kenneth Labbe arrived and attempted to arrest Walker’s daughter, who was reported to have shouted racial and homophobic slurs while trying to block officers from entering the apartment.
Escalation leading to the shooting
As officers tried to take the daughter into custody, a struggle broke out involving Walker, his daughter, his son, and several officers. During the chaos, Walker began swinging a knife at Officer Rivera. Rivera, fearing he would be stabbed, moved backward and began to fall.
Inspector General Eliot Prescott wrote that Officer Clifford, observing Rivera’s vulnerable position and Walker’s looming threat, fired several shots that struck Walker. Body‑camera footage showed Walker moving toward Rivera with the knife before Clifford discharged his weapon.
Inspector General’s findings
Prescott concluded that Clifford “honestly believed” Walker was about to stab Officer Rivera and that a reasonable officer in the same circumstance would have shared that belief. The report states there is “no doubt” Walker posed an imminent risk of serious physical injury or death to Rivera, satisfying Connecticut’s legal standard for justified use of deadly force.
The investigation incorporated officer body‑camera video, witness interviews, and forensic evidence. It found that Clifford did not engage in conduct that increased the risk of the deadly confrontation beyond the dangers already present.
Outcome
Walker was transported to Saint Francis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Inspector General Prescott noted that neither he nor his office will take further action regarding the shooting.
The report underscores the challenges law‑enforcement faces when responding to mental‑health emergencies. Hartford officials have emphasized the importance of continued training and coordination with crisis‑intervention teams to protect both citizens and officers while addressing such volatile situations.
Community response
Local leaders and faith‑based groups have expressed sympathy for Walker’s family while also supporting the officers’ actions as necessary to prevent further harm. The Hartford Police Department reiterated its commitment to serving the community with professionalism and respect for all residents, especially those struggling with mental‑health issues.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
