Manhattan

Cops open fire at optical store in Chelsea, killing armed suspect: NYPD

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What to Know

  • The suspect who was shot in an incident involving NYPD and federal officers on Tuesday in Manhattan has died, police announced.
  • In a subsequent press conference, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said that officers assigned to a joint NYPD and Homeland Security Violent Gang Unit federal task force were on West 24th Street searching for a 25-year-old man wanted for a felony assault that took place earlier this month.
  • Authorities located the man and identified themselves when the suspect fled into a location that could be an optical store. While inside the store, members of the task force tried to arrest him and a violent struggle broke out, Kenny said. It was during this time that the suspect allegedly pulled out a firearm, prompting officers to fire.

The suspect who was shot in an incident involving NYPD and federal officers on Tuesday in Manhattan has died, police announced.

The shooting was reported shortly after 2:30 p.m. and occurred on West 24th Street between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue in Chelsea, according to the FDNY.

In a subsequent press conference, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said that officers assigned to a joint NYPD and Homeland Security Violent Gang Unit federal task force were on West 24th Street searching for a 25-year-old man wanted for a felony assault that took place earlier this month. Authorities located the man and identified themselves when the suspect fled into a location that could be an optical store. While inside the store, members of the task force tried to arrest him and a violent struggle broke out, Kenny said. It was during this time that the suspect allegedly pulled out a firearm, prompting officers to fire.

Members of the task force performed first aid, including CPR. Emergency medical services transported the suspect to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the NYPD. According to Kenny, citing the preliminary investigation, the suspect was shot three times in multiple places on his body.

Authorities recovered a gun that is the same that was fired at members of the task force, according to Kenny.

During the struggle, a member of the task force received a gash to his head, but has since been released from the hospital.

An investigation is ongoing.

Authorities ask that you avoid this area due to police activity, and ask drivers to take alternative routes.

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