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Police said officers were conducting a weapons and narcotics investigation at around 5:15 p.m. in the area of Oak Street in Bridgeport when officers tried to make a motor vehicle stop on a Mercedes-Benz SUV.

Driver who fled from police in Bridgeport fatally shot by officer in Ansonia

The driver of the Mercedes, identified as 41-year-old Jonathan Mark Lewis Bell, then sped away northbound on Route 8 through multiple towns and cities, attempting to elude police, the report said.

The pursuit ended when Bell crashed into a home in the 200 block of Division Street in Ansonia. Bridgeport Police Officers Matthew Hoffman, Wilberto Rivera-Colon and Chris Robinson approached Bell and asked him to show his hands.

The preliminary report said Bell refused to show his hands and reached for an unspecified object, which led to three officers firing their guns.

Bell was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide caused by gunshot wounds to his head and torso.

The three Bridgeport officers involved are on modified duty until the Office of the Inspector General’s investigation is complete.

“I have the utmost confidence that the Office of the Inspector General will ensure a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation,” Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter said. “Regardless of the circumstances, loss of life is tragic. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family of the deceased.”

The Office of Inspector General, Department of Emergency Services and Public

Protection Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad, Ansonia Police

Department, Bridgeport Police Department, and the Milford Judicial District State’s Attorney’s

Office are investigating.