Police respond to domestic call to find bloody man with knife, toddler — Police car - File photo

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — On October 5th, 2023, a burglary at a 4th floor apartment on 361 Main Street led to a tense confrontation between New Rochelle Police and a 43-year-old male suspect, identified as Lavon Mott of New Rochelle.

Around 4:37 a.m., officers were dispatched to the location following reports of a dispute. Upon arrival, they were informed that Mott, allegedly under the influence of drugs and armed with a knife, was inside the apartment with a 2-year-old child. The child, it was later discovered, was not his own but that of his ex-girlfriend.

Inside the apartment, officers found Mott lying on the ground, clutching the child, with a knife nearby and blood on his face. In the ensuing effort to rescue the child and neutralize the threat, officers witnessed the knife drop from Mott’s grasp, only for him to tighten his hold on the child and attempt to retrieve the weapon.

In response, officers employed Tasers and physical intervention to prevent Mott from rearming himself and to safely extricate the child. The child suffered a 2-inch head laceration during the ordeal and was immediately transported to a hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition.

The confrontation resulted in injuries to two officers. One received minor cuts to the face and hand, while the other officer sustained a cut and bruise on his hand. Both officers received medical attention and have since been released, but they are currently on injured leave due to their injuries.

Mott, now in custody, faces charges related to the incident. It’s believed he had entered his ex-girlfriend’s residence while under the influence of drugs. The motivations behind his actions remain under investigation.

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