An NYPD officer fatally shot an armed career criminal who opened fire on officers responding to a robbery victim's cries for help, police said.
Police were on patrol in East New York, Brooklyn early Wednesday when a livery cab driver stopped them and told them about a gunpoint robbery in progress in front of a building on nearby Hinsdale Street.
Officers heard gunshots and saw two men in a struggle for a gun. One of them cried for help. As officers got out of their car, the suspect turned toward them and fired one shot, police said.
The two responding officers took cover and one returned fire, discharging one round from his service weapon, the NYPD said. The bullet hit the suspect in the torso.
Police say the suspect tried to flee, but officers found him hiding under a car on Dumont Street. A revolver (above photo inset bottom left) was recovered under the vehicle, police said.
The suspect was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The officer involved in the shooting was taken to the hospital for ringing in his ears, but he's expected to be fine.
Police say the robbery victim suffered cuts and bruises during the struggle with the suspect.
The 50-year-old suspect was a career criminal who was on parole for life, authorities said. He had at least eight prior arrests for robbery over the last 35 years, including two that involved guns.
