YONKERS, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — A man who was shot in the leg by Yonkers police during a dispute on Monday that also left an officer injured allegedly told investigators he was attempting to be killed by police, officials said Tuesday.
Yonkers police said officers responded at around 12:30 p.m. to the third floor of a walkup apartment at 52 Main Street after receiving a 911 call of a man waving a gun and threatening people.
Upon arrival, cops made contact with the 24-year-old man on the third floor, which resulted in the police-involved shooting.
Based on a subsequent interview with the individual, the department said Tuesday that their investigation has revealed that "his apparent intent was to commit suicide-by-cop, and utilizing a cell phone and another object, he fashioned a crude imitation pistol that he may have displayed to responding officers."
The commissioner said their preliminary investigation has revealed that the suspect allegedly called 911 himself about a man waving a gun around.
Yonkers police also released a recording of a 911 on their social media pages.
Police revealed the officer sustained serious injuries to his head, back and spine during the incident, falling from the third-floor and landing on the second-floor — around a 10 foot distance.
At least three police officers discharged their weapons at the suspect, striking him once in the calf.
The suspect and the injured officer were taken to local area hospitals and are listed in stable condition. Police said Monday that the officer suffered four broken vertebrae and a concussion during the dispute.
At this time, Yonkers police said the suspect's identity is being withheld due to the possibility that he might have been experiencing mental health issues.
He remains in custody with charges pending against him, officials added.
Members and supervisors with the Major Case Squad and Internal Affairs Division are actively involved in this investigation in conjunction with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities will interview witnesses at parties to the incident, the scene will be processed subject to appropriate search warrants and a comprehensive use-of-force review will be conducted, including the examination of body worn camera video.
All findings will be shared with the DA's office and their Public Integrity Bureau.
Officials stressed their findings are subject to change.
Mueller said he is thankful the injuries sustained during the incident are not life-threatening, adding the department is committed to a "thorough and transparent review" of the shooting.
Related
Related
