Police-involved Shooting in the 120 Precinct, Staten Island
September 17, 2019
Remarks as prepared for Police Commissioner James O'Neill
Good morning. A few hours ago, police officers from the 120th Precinct responded to a call for help. It was the type of call NYPD cops respond to thousands of times a year. But today, we were reminded - again - that no call is routine. It was a vivid example of the dangers NYPD police officers face each and every day keeping our city safe.
I'm joined here by Mayor de Blasio, PBA President Pat Lynch, Staten Island DA Michael McMahon, Staten Island Borough President James Oddo, Council Member Debbie Rose, Dr. Daniel Messina, President and CEO of Richmond University Medical Center, Dr. Peitro Carpenito, Executive Vice President for Administration and Chairman of Anesthesia, NYPD Supervising Chief Surgeon Dr. Eli Kleiman, First Deputy Commissioner Ben Tucker, Chief of Department Terry Monahan, Chief of Patrol Rodney Harrison, Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea, and Staten Island Borough Commander Chief Ken Corey.
First, I want to thank the skilled, dedicated staff here at Richmond University Medical Center for the high-level of professional care they always provide.
I want to remind you that the information I'm about to share with you about this incident is preliminary, and is subject to change as the investigation unfolds.
At approximately 8:19 this morning, a woman called police to report that she was the victim of a past domestic assault. Two officers from the 120th Precinct responded to 39 Park Hill Lane, where they met the woman outside. They put her in their police car to conduct a search for the suspect in the immediate area.
During this search, the woman pointed out her alleged assailant, who was walking outside. The officers quickly dropped the victim off about a block away, for her safety, and returned to arrest the man. The officers called for backup, which brought two additional officers to the scene. All four officers then moved to arrest the man outside 20 Prince Street.
The suspect immediately became combative with the officers and violently resisted their efforts to place him under arrest. During the struggle, an NYPD Taser was deployed, hitting the suspect's back. The man pulled out a gun and the officers - showing no hesitation, grabbed his hands to direct the muzzle away from bystanders.
The man then fired two times. A police officer returned fire three times, striking the man. In the exchange of gunfire, one female police officer was struck one time in the left hand. The suspect was pronounced deceased and his gun was recovered at the scene.
Our injured officer is here at this hospital, in stable condition and is currently undergoing surgery on her hand. Moments ago, the mayor and I met with her mother, who is also here. The officer joined the NYPD in January 2016 and is assigned to Patrol in the 1-2-0 Precinct.
The suspect is a 39-year-old man with a history of committing violent crimes, including domestic assault and weapons charges. He was previously convicted of a shooting here in Staten Island and served five years in prison.
