Queens police-involved shooting: Cops open fire on man who charged at them with knife, chief says

Police shot and injured a knife-wielding man in Queens on Monday morning, police said.

The incident occurred at a home on the 8400 block of Parsons Boulevard in Hillcrest, within the 107th Precinct’s confines, at about 10:25 a.m. on Jan. 26.

According to Assistant Chief Chris McIntosh, a family member called police after the 22-year-old man began throwing glass against a wall during a mental health episode. When the two officers arrived at the scene, they were given entry by the 911 caller.

“The male was in the kitchen when the officers arrived. Upon seeing the officer, the male retrieved a large kitchen knife and began to advance toward officers,” Chief McIntosh said. “A family member attempted to restrain the male, but was unsuccessful, and the male continued to advance toward officers.”

Queens police-involved shooting: Cops open fire on man who charged at them with knife, chief says 2 — According to sources familiar with the incident, officers rushed to the location after receiving a call regarding a man suffering a mental health episode. Upon arriving at the location, the cops came across the individual, who was seen brandishing a large kitchen knife. Photo by Dean Moses

Queens police-involved shooting: Cops open fire on man who charged at them with knife, chief says 3 — Photo by Dean Moses

Authorities say the cops demanded the man drop the weapon, but he did not heed their commands. To create space between them, one of the officers closed a glass door. However, he allegedly burst through it and lunged at them.

“Officers issued several warnings to drop the knife and attempted to de-escalate the situation. The armed male was able to push through the closed door and continue to advance to our officers with the kitchen knife in hand,” McIntosh said. “At this point, officers discharged their weapon.”

Queens police-involved shooting: Cops open fire on man who charged at them with knife, chief says 4 — “The male was in the kitchen when the officers arrived. Upon seeing the officer, the male retrieved a large kitchen knife and began to advance toward the officers,” Chief McIntosh said. Photo by Dean Moses

Sources familiar with the incident report that the man suffered at least four gunshot wounds. The wounded man was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and is expected to survive.

The officers, although unharmed, were also taken to an area hospital for evaluation.

Police say the suspect has a history of mental illness, but would not elaborate further. Authorities did not comment when amNewYork asked what sparked the man’s agitation, simply adding that it was “under investigation.”

Outside the home, discarded medical supplies could be observed atop an NYPD vehicle, from where one eyewitness said the man was rushed from the home on a stretcher. Investigators could also be seen rushing in and out of the home throughout the day.