NEW YORK – Officers fatally shot a man holding a large kitchen knife after the concerned father called 9-1-1 to report his son’s mental health crisis, New York police officials said Sunday .
The shooting happened around 10:00 a.m. in the Bronx, where several officers arrived outside the father’s residence in Great Hall to watch over his 42-year-old son, patrol leader John Chell told a news conference.
After speaking briefly with the father, Chell said the son reached out and pulled out a “large kitchen knife” from inside the bag. Officers “give many instructions” to drop off the bag, but he reportedly refused.
Police fired several shots, hitting the man in the chest and leg. He was recovered and transported to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
According to the chief, the entire exchange between the officers and the 42-year-old man lasted 28 seconds before they opened fire.
Chell said the incident was captured on a body camera, footage of which will be reviewed in more detail. The knife the man was holding was reportedly recovered by the police.
According to the father, his son felt that someone was following him and that if a policeman came, he would kill him. After the incident, the son was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds to the chest and leg.
The father now feels guilty for calling for help. Meanwhile, police said they are investigating officers’ body cameras.
This is a developing story.