In East Harlem, on the evening of June 1, a man was shot in the buttocks by the police after he allegedly [1] attempted to stab a group of people.
The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on 102nd Street and 3rd Avenue. A man entered a police station to report that the suspect was armed with a knife and attempting to harm individuals.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers witnessed the armed man, identified as Mdiouga Gaye, 36, running towards a victim. NYPD Assistant Chief Ruel Stephenson reported that the situation was chaotic and fast-paced, with officers giving repeated commands for the man to drop the knife.
Despite the commands, the suspect persisted in his attempt to attack the victim and even lunged at a second officer.
The officer attempted to subdue him with a taser, which proved ineffective.
As the suspect swung the knife towards the officer, the officer fired a shot, hitting the man in the buttocks.
Following the incident, the 36-year-old suspect was taken into custody and transported to the hospital. Police recovered a knife at the scene.
Officials revealed that he had two previous encounters with law enforcement related to mental health issues.
Assistant Chief Stephenson indicated that an investigation is ongoing to determine the factors leading to the altercation involving the suspect and four other individuals.
The entire incident, from the officers spotting the armed man to the firing of the shot, transpired in 34 seconds.