Hartford Police Union Defends Ex-Officer Accused of Shooting Armed Man 9 Times, Calls Criticism 'Ridiculous'

The Hartford Police Union is defending a former officer, Joseph Magnano, charged in a fatal shooting, saying he acted to protect himself during a rapidly unfolding confrontation involving an armed man experiencing a mental health crisis.

Hartford Police Union President Sgt. James Rutkauski strongly rejected criticism of the officer’s actions, calling suggestions about alternative tactics “ridiculous.”

“That is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard,” Rutkauski said. “I have someone coming at me with a knife that can kill me, and I’m going to use pepper spray? No.”

The statement comes as former Hartford police officer Joseph Magnano faces a manslaughter charge following a February 27 shooting that left 55-year-old Steven Jones dead. Magnano, 23, has been released on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on June 5, 2026.

Investigators with the State Office of the Inspector General ruled that Magnano's shooting was not justified. He was charged with first-degree manslaughter and turned himself in.

Body camera footage showed Jones holding a large knife as three officers tried to calm him for several minutes. He was experiencing a mental health crisis, and officers attempted to use a Taser. When the attempt failed, Magnano arrived at the scene.

According to investigators, Jones then moved toward Magnano, who opened fire and shot him nine times. Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said he believed Magnano escalated the situation. The officer was later fired in April on the final day of his probationary period.

Magnano said he feared for his life and the safety of civilians. However, investigators noted he was on scene for 34 seconds and interacted with Jones for only 26 seconds before opening fire.

The report also stated that other officers were present longer but did not use lethal force. At least four shots were fired after Jones fell, according to investigators. The arrest warrant questioned why Magnano did not use pepper spray instead of his firearm.

According to the warrant, Magnano was not officially dispatched to the scene and responded after hearing radio traffic. If convicted, he could face one to 20 years in prison.