Career Criminal on Parole Shoots NYPD Officer in Violent Manhattan Standoff

(TJV NEWS) A dangerous career criminal with a long history of violent offenses and gun arrests opened fire on NYPD officers executing a search warrant in Manhattan on Tuesday, hitting an officer in the shoulder, authorities said.

According to NBC4, the suspect, a 35-year-old repeat offender who was on parole for narcotics convictions, has a well-documented history of gun-related crimes. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, speaking at a press conference, emphasized that this individual “never should have been on the streets.”

The shooting took place at an apartment complex on the Lower East Side. When officers entered the suspect’s residence, he immediately opened fire, striking an ESU ballistic shield. The officers, showing restraint, did not return fire and instead backed out as the gunman barricaded himself inside by pushing a couch against the door, police said.

The NYPD Hostage Negotiation Team was deployed, and officers attempted to work with the suspect’s family to coax him out. However, after the suspect cut off communication and concerns arose that a woman might be inside, police made the decision to re-enter.

As officers tactically moved in and removed the barricade, the career criminal again opened fire, this time striking an ESU officer in the shoulder. Police returned fire, hitting the suspect.

Both the wounded officer and the shooter are expected to survive. The suspect is now in custody and faces additional charges.

Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch visited the injured officer at the hospital Tuesday morning before addressing the public. Tisch reiterated that the suspect’s history of violent crime and gun offenses made it clear that he “never should have been free to endanger lives once again.”

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as the investigation continues.