Bridgeport officer cleared in shooting of knife-wielding man

The report says the officer was justified in using force against Dale Stephenson and will not face any disciplinary action.

News 12 Staff

Aug 26, 2025, 10:49 AM

Updated 2 hr ago

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A man shot by a Bridgeport police officer in May was armed with two knives, according to a final report from the state Office of the Inspector General.
The report says the officer was justified in using force against Dale Stephenson and will not face any disciplinary action.
Police were called around 6 a.m. after reports of a man knocking on doors while waving knives.
Stephenson was hit in the arm and leg and later recovered from his injuries.
Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter called the incident tragic but said the officer faced an imminent threat and followed proper training.