Knife-Wielding Man Holding Fake Pistol Killed In Police-Involved Shooting In The Bronx
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An investigation was underway Wednesday evening after a man was shot and killed by police in the Bronx.
Authorities were first called to 3700 Pratt Avenue near Seton Falls Park in the Wakefield section around 4 p.m. by a landlord concerned for his tenant's safety.
"He had not seen him in some time so he called officers for a wellness check," NYPD Chief of Department Carlos Gomez said in a press conference late Wednesday.
Police say the landlord brought the officers to the third floor. When they opened the door, the 31-year-old resident was holding a knife in one hand with his other hand behind his back.
"The officers commenced dialogue, repeatedly directing him to drop the knife," Chief Gomez said.
Backup teams soon arrived and saw the man holding what appeared to be a pistol, according to police.
Gomez said responding officers asked him to drop it, "adding 'we don't want to hurt you'."
"As the subject raises the gun in the direction of the officers... one officer fired his taser, two other officers fired their service weapons, striking the subject several times," Gomez said.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.
Investigators say the deadly shooting was the first of its kind captured on police body cameras in New York City, which went operational in the department just two months ago.
Residents were surprised at the sudden outburst of violence.
"It wasn't familiar in this area," Wakefield resident Terrell Williams tells CBS2's Ali Bauman. "This is a really nice neighborhood, you wouldn't expect it but there were gunshots."
Authorities say four other people were taken to area hospitals with minor injuries.
The suspect's name has not been released pending family notification.
The shooting remains under investigation.
