On Friday night, a knife-wielding man was shot dead by police on Roosevelt Island after he attacked police officers inside an apartment building elevator, according to the NYPD.
The incident occurred at 540 Main Street, where police responded to multiple 911 calls from the man’s relatives, who reported that he was threatening them with a knife.
Upon arrival, four officers approached the scene, three entering one of the building’s elevators while the fourth kept the lobby door open, awaiting additional support.
Unexpectedly, the armed suspect emerged from the second elevator and charged at the officer standing in the doorway, brandishing the knife at him. The officer quickly retreated outside.
“The suspect then charged towards the elevator occupied by our officers still armed with the knife,” a police spokesperson said.
Three officers attempted to use a Taser to subdue the suspect but were forced to resort to lethal force, shooting the 21-year-old man to neutralize the threat.
He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, where he was later pronounced deceased. Witnesses reported hearing five gunshots. Police suspect the man was under the influence of a controlled substance.