Inspector general questions police actions in fatal shooting of unarmed man in Bridgeport
An investigation into the fatal shooting of unarmed man Jonathan Mark Lewis Bell by Bridgeport police found multiple police errors but insufficient evidence for prosecution. Inspector General Robert Devlin, Jr. criticized the pursuit and tactical decisions made by officers. The report highlighted that police should not have pursued Bell, who was believed to be armed, and should have de-escalated the situation instead of surrounding his vehicle. Bell was shot after making a sudden movement, but no weapon was found on him. The Bridgeport Police Department acknowledged the report's findings and committed to reviewing the issues raised. The department expressed condolences to Bell's family and friends.