Man Shot By Police After Refusing To Drop Knife Now Facing Charges, Cops Say

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Bronx man hospitalized after being shot by police is now facing charges.

Shamel Jones, 19, was shot and wounded by police in the Bronx on Nov. 23 after he allegedly refused to drop a knife.

Officers from the 41st Precinct were called after a man was allegedly seen beating a woman outside at Tiffany Street and Westchester Avenue, according to Patrol Borough Bronx Commanding Officer Larry Nikunen.

When officers arrived, they were approached by a woman who said Jones, her boyfriend, had assaulted her, Nikunen said.

The officers took the woman on a canvass and she pointed out Jones, Nikunen said. The officers went up to Jones, but he fled into the building at 877 Intervale Ave., Nikunen said.

The two responding officers followed him, along with a third officer and a lieutenant, Nikunen said. Jones went into an apartment in the building, and officers followed him upon being let in by another man, Nikunen said.

The officers saw Jones in the kitchen brandishing a "very large" knife – about 12 inches in length with a 7-inch blade, Nikunen said.

Officers ordered Jones to drop the knife, but he refused, Nikunen said. The lieutenant sprayed pepper spray at Jones, but he kept advancing at the officers with the knife anyway, Nikunen said.

One officer then fired a shot and struck Jones in the lower left back, Nikunen said. Jones was taken to Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, where he was in critical condition and in surgery.

Jones now faces charges of assault, menacing, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal mischief, police said.