State trooper’s shooting of a Brooklyn man during a court-ordered eviction was deemed justified

A state trooper’s shooting of a Brooklyn man during a court-ordered eviction was deemed justified by the Office of Inspector General.

The inspector general released its report on the shooting of Byron Harvey by Trooper Romello Lumpkin. It happened on May 9, 2023.

State police were responding to an eviction at a home on Tiffany Street. Harvey refused to leave the apartment, state officials said.

The state marshal requested help because of a large dog in the apartment.

The marshal, Trooper Yeung, and two Animal Control Officers entered the apartment by using a key from the landlord. They saw Harvey standing in the living room and holding a large knife.

“Trooper Yeung gave Harvey multiple commands to ‘put the weapon down,’ but he refused,” said the inspector general.

Yeung then called for backup and Trooper Lumpkin, Sergeant Brian Lovell, and others responded.

Harvey refused to drop the knife. According to the report, he said, “You’re going to have to shoot me … if you don’t, I’m going to get at least one of you.”

Harvey walked toward the troopers with the knife in a raised position, officials said. Lumpkin then shot Harvey in the abdomen.

The inspector general’s office said Lumpkin’s use of force was justified because he was trying to stop Harvey’s attack.

“The investigation establishes that Trooper Romello Lumpkin used deadly force against Byron Harvey to stop Harvey’s attempted knife attack. I therefore conclude that Trooper Lumpkin’s use of force was justified under Connecticut law. The Office of Inspector General will take no further action on this matter,” the inspector general said.