UPDATE: A man was shot and killed by police in Queens early this morning after allegedly charging at officers with a box cutter. The incident occurred at approximately 12:25 a.m. on December 21, 2023, at 1170 Nameoke St. in Far Rockaway, according to NYPD Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera.
Police from the 101st Precinct responded to a 911 call reporting a family altercation. Upon arrival, officers engaged with the parents but could not locate their 29-year-old son inside the apartment. As they exited, the son was spotted in the hallway wielding a box cutter.
Chief Rivera stated that officers issued multiple commands for the man to drop the weapon. Unfortunately, he did not comply and instead charged at the officers, prompting one officer to deploy a Taser while another fired their weapon, striking him.
Emergency medical services were called to the scene, and the man was transported to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The officers involved were evaluated at a local hospital and reported no injuries.
“This incident once again demonstrates the dangers that our police officers face every day and how a routine call can quickly escalate into an extremely dangerous situation,” said Chief Rivera.
The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is currently examining the shooting, which has raised concerns about officer safety and the challenges faced during domestic dispute responses. This incident highlights the critical and often unpredictable nature of police work.
As the investigation unfolds, residents and officials alike are left grappling with the implications of this tragic event. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
