New York Police Department Shooting Critically Injured Man Allegedly Holding Box Cutter During Altercation in Brooklyn
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (March 16, 2025) – A man in Brooklyn was critically injured after being shot by New York Police Department detectives on Avenue K near Utica Avenue.
New York City officials are saying that the incident took place around 1:49 PM on Monday. Two detectives in civilian clothes saw two men arguing.
The detectives decided to intervene and attempted to separate both of the men. One of the men was allegedly holding what appeared to be a box cutter.
Officers issued a warning for the man to drop the box cutter prior to shooting the suspect. Paramedics were called to the scene to help the man.
He was taken to Kings County Hospital with critical injuries. According to police, they had had two previous encounters with the person who was shot.
A full investigation into the Brooklyn police shooting remains ongoing.
Liability for New York City Police Shootings
Many people are killed or seriously injured every year in incidents involving the New York Police Department and other police departments. According to the Law Enforcement Epidemiology Project, “In the U.S. during a given year, an estimated 1 million civilians experience police threat of or use of force resulting in a conservative estimate of 75,000 non-fatal injuries requiring hospital treatment and 600-1100 deaths.” Police officers should take a number of actions in order to avoid needlessly harming suspects.
- Police officers should be trained to prioritize de-escalation techniques.
- Police officers should have specialized training to help people who may be in the midst of a mental health crisis.
- Police officers should understand what levels of force are appropriate to use in different circumstances.
- Police officers should always use proper restraint techniques to avoid causing unnecessary injury.
- Police officers should prioritize less lethal options when confrontations are unavoidable.
The ability to use lethal force is one of the most consequential powers that police officers hold. It must be used with a great deal of discretion. When a police officer uses excessive force, they can be held accountable through a constitutional claim. Pursuant to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who deprives any citizen of their rights afforded under the constitution under the color of law shall be liable to the injured party.
Consider, for example, the tragic death of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. Authorities arrived at a home in White Plains, New York after a medical alert device was inadvertently activated. The victim told police that he did not need help. But police officers broke down the front door and entered the residence before tasering and shooting the victim. The city eventually reached a settlement with the victim’s family. It is important that several steps are taken after any fatal police encounter.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records related to the incident should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
Police shootings are often highly preventable. They tend to involve situations where police officers are either unwilling or unable to de-escalate encounters with suspects. This can be particularly dangerous when a suspect is in the midst of a mental health crisis. Unfortunately, police departments will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility when they injure someone. This is why it is so important that all police shootings are properly investigated by an outside party.
Investigating New York City Police Shootings
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. were deeply concerned to hear about this police shooting in Brooklyn. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There are so many questions about what happened that still remain unanswered. The NYPD should do the right thing and be transparent.
Do you need more information about a New York City police shooting? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that people are aware of their rights and that police departments are held accountable for their excessive force. Whether you have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
