Man shot and killed after altercation with machete in New Haven

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — An altercation involving a machete led to the shooting death of a man [Friday] night in New Haven, according to police.

New Haven officers were called at 5:30 p.m. Friday to the Bella Vista housing complex on Eastern Street for a disturbance. Callers reported that a Black male was carrying a machete, banging on doors, and rambling.

The man, 56-year-old John Reynolds, was shot and killed by a resident after an altercation ensued. According to 911 callers, Reynolds had a history of mental health problems and may have been under the influence.

Reynolds died at the scene, and the medical examiner’s office took his body for an autopsy.

Neighbors said Bella Vista is a quiet community. Most are shocked and sad to hear something like this happen.

“I told my wife, and she was at bible study, and she said, ‘Oh my god, we have to get out of here,” said Leigh Busby, a Bella Vista resident. “She is a little upset about it, obviously.”

Bella Vista is a senior living housing complex. Neighbors said there is security, but some believe it’s not enough.

“We need better security,” Busby said. “We can’t just have everybody coming in and out of here like that.”

Police said the resident who shot Reynolds has not been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.