A 20-year-old man was fatally shot by police on Thursday night following a series of threatening incidents in New York City’s Upper East Side, according to authorities. The man, whose identity has not been released pending family notification, reportedly brandished a firearm in a residential building elevator on Madison Avenue between East 106th and East 107th Streets around 7 p.m.
The man allegedly pointed the gun at another individual in the elevator, maintaining the threat until the elevator reached the first floor. He then fled to a nearby deli on East 107th Street, according to NYPD Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera.
Once inside the deli, the man reportedly jumped behind the counter, pointed the gun at an employee, and declared his intention to shoot up Mount Sinai Hospital. He then stole the deli worker’s phone and headed towards the hospital, arriving at 7:08 p.m.
After briefly entering and exiting the hospital, the man placed his firearm near a tree outside. Upon re-entering, he encountered an off-duty officer working a paid security detail. The man began to act disorderly and informed the officer that he was armed. A brief scuffle ensued as the officer attempted to escort him out, during which the man retrieved his firearm.
The off-duty officer called for backup as the man continued to walk southbound on Madison Avenue. Responding officers confronted him between East 95th and East 96th streets. The man immediately opened fire at the officers, who returned fire, striking him in the chest and hip. He was transported to the hospital in an NYPD vehicle, where he was later pronounced dead.
The officers involved in the incident were also taken to the hospital for evaluation. The entire incident was captured on surveillance video and police body cameras, according to Rivera.
Rivera praised the officers for their response, stating that the situation could have turned out differently. He emphasized the daily risks faced by NYPD officers, particularly when individuals openly threaten public safety with firearms.
Local residents reported hearing a series of gunshots followed by sirens. One resident described hearing five consecutive shots, likening the sound to a mini explosion. Another resident reported a friend witnessing the suspect casually walking down the street with the handgun.
The officers involved in the shooting were commended for their actions, with NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association president Vincent Vallelong stating that they saved countless lives. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.