Police shot a 21-year-old man in New York after he charged at them with a kitchen knife.
The incident occurred at the Roosevelt Landings apartment complex on Roosevelt Island in New York City at 11:30 pm on August 4. A family member reported being threatened by the man, who was said to be off medication and under the influence of marijuana.
Upon the police’s arrival, cameras worn on officers Virealla-Abreu, Birch, Mehr, and Mazza recorded the events. As police entered the building, some officers positioned themselves in the lobby. Three officers entered an elevator while others remained in the hallway.
The unidentified man emerged from another elevator and ran at an officer, brandishing a knife. Officer Virealla-Abreu aimed a taser at the man, but he was unaffected.
As the man continued to advance with the knife, officers Mehr and Mazza drew their guns and fired. The man fell, still holding the knife. First aid was administered until an ambulance transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead early on August 5th.
In a statement, the New York Police Department confirmed that no civilian or officer was harmed in the process.
On September 8th, bodycam footage was made public by New York Attorney General Letitia James. This is a standard procedure for the Office of Special Investigation (OSI) under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b. OSI examines every police-involved death, with further action taken if an officer is found responsible. The release aims to promote transparency and build public confidence.
