Elderly Man Killed In Brooklyn Police Shooting Along Lewis Avenue
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (April 16, 2023) – A 78-year-old man has tragically died in a Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn police shooting at apartment along Lewis Avenue.
New York City police officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The nephew of a 78-year-old man called police and said that he believed someone was trying to break into his uncle’s apartment.
Police arrived at the scene and knocked on the door of the apartment where they believed a break-in was taking place. Authorities claim that the 78-year-old man had a firearm in his hand as he was opening the door.
After a brief encounter, the elderly man was shot by police. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the man. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Brooklyn Police Shootings
Far too many people are killed or seriously injured every year in police shootings. According to Statista, “In 2022, there were 1,096 fatal police shootings. In 2021, there were 1,048 fatal shootings. Additionally, the rate of fatal police shootings among Black Americans was much higher than that for any other ethnicity, standing at 5.9 fatal shootings per million of the population per year between 2015 and March 2023.” There are a number of steps that police departments can take to prevent fatal shootings.
- Police officers should be well trained.
- Police officers should be given less lethal alternatives than their firearm.
- Use of force incidents should be well documented and understood.
Police departments have a legal obligation to use discretion when they apprehend suspects. They must use the least amount of force possible. If a police officer uses excessive force, the department that they work for could be held liable. In some circumstances, an officer’s unreasonable behavior leading up to the moment of an accidental shooting could form the basis of a negligence claim. See, Heyward v. Christmas. There are many steps that should be taken after any police shooting.
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a police shooting may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, police departments will often do everything in their power to deny liability for any incident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Brooklyn Police Shooting
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man that died in this police shooting on Lewis Avenue. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened.
Do you need more information about a Brooklyn police shooting? Our team of civil rights advocates are here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after an incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
