NYPD East Village shooting – two men killed in police-involved shooting.
Two men have been fatally shot in a police-involved shooting that occurred in the East Village early Thursday morning, police confirm.
Two uniformed officers that were patrolling inside of Tompkins Square Park heard gunshots ringing outside of the park around 3:30 a.m., Chief of Department Terence Monahan said during a press conference, Thursday morning.
The officers immediately exited the park where police say the officers observed a man shooting at another man, Monahan added.
The officers attempted to get the armed suspect on the ground but he did not comply and he was shot at approximately three times by the officers, according to Monahan.
“The two officers engaged the armed suspect and gave numerous commands for him to get on the ground,” Monahan said. “It was then the officers fired approximately three times at the male, striking him.”
Both men were taken to Bellevue Hospital by EMS.
Police say the gunman was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The second man involved in the shooting also died, but was not shot by police, officials said.
A dispute that began at a lounge located at 103 at Avenue A, resulted in a shooting once the men exited the lounge, NYPD confirms.
“When the two men exited the lounge, the shooting began, Monahan said. “The other suspect who was involved in the shooting has also been
pronounced deceased. He was NOT shot by our officers.”
Police say there were two weapons recovered at the scene.
“A .22 caliber handgun was recovered underneath the man who our officers engaged, and another .22 caliber handgun was recovered near the second man who was shot,” Monahan said.