Police Seek Public’s Help to Find Stolen Knife After Brooklyn Subway Shooting
One day after police opened fire at a Brooklyn subway platform, injuring an accused fare-beater, two bystanders and an NYPD officer, the department released a wanted flyer Monday seeking the public’s help to find the knife the suspect allegedly held before cops opened fire Sunday.
NYPD Seeking Man Who Took Knife From Scene
The NYPD released a wanted flyer for a man believed to have swiped the suspect’s knife from the L train where four people were shot in Brownsville on Sunday. Video circulating on social media appears to show the man scoop up the knife amid the bloody commotion.
Confusion Over Status of Recovered Knife
Following a Sunday evening police press conference, the NYPD posted on Twitter that the knife had been “recovered” following the police shooting. However, on Monday, the department revealed that they are now seeking the public’s help to find the knife, indicating that it may not have been recovered after all.
NYPD Says Knife Was Seen at Specific Location
Police are seeking the individual potentially in possession of the weapon last seen at 480 Sutter Avenue, the location of the elevated subway stop where the shooting occurred.
Events Leading Up to Shooting
Police opened fire around 3 p.m. during a confrontation with a man officials claim avoided paying the subway fare by slipping through an open door. The man had run upstairs to the platform and refused officers’ orders to comply.
At a press conference, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey described the events leading up to the shooting:
“At a certain point on the platform, the male mutters the words ‘I’m gonna kill you if you don’t stop following me.’ The officers are able to catch up to him. The male turns around, he confronts the officers, the officers are asking him to take his hands out of his pockets. They become aware that he had a knife in his pocket.”
Injuries and Arrests
Both officers had drawn their firearms and shot multiple rounds at the man, striking him several times. He was said to be in critical condition. The police department confirmed multiple bystanders were shot, along with a suspect and responding officer.
Mayor and Interim Police Commissioner React
Mayor Eric Adams, who attended the briefing, alleged the knife-wielding man as a “career criminal” with over 20 arrests. Interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlan pointed blame for the shooting at the suspect who skipped the turnstile.
Critically Injured Individuals
A 49-year-old bystander struck in the head by police remained in critical condition Monday, as was the alleged fare-dodger. A 26-year-old woman, another bystander, was grazed in the leg. A police officer, one of the two who opened fire on the platform, was struck and expected to make a full recovery.
Conclusion
The shooting incident on the Brooklyn subway platform has sparked concerns about police use of force and the safety of subway riders. The search for the missing knife has raised questions about the accountability of the police department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the police open fire on the subway platform?
A: Police opened fire after the suspect allegedly drew a knife and charged at the officers who were trying to apprehend him.
Q: What happened to the knife recovered from the scene?
A: The NYPD initially reported that the knife was recovered from the scene, but later revealed that it was not recovered and is now being sought by the public.
Q: What is the condition of the injured bystanders and officers?
A: A 49-year-old bystander is in critical condition, along with the alleged fare-dodger. A 26-year-old woman is grazed in the leg, and a police officer is expected to make a full recovery.
