Video footage released by the NYPD shows the moment an officer kills a man with a single gunshot as the unhinged suspect holds his mother in a chokehold while screaming that he had a knife inside a Bronx apartment last December.
Police officer Alex Morgese fired off a single shot at suspect Michael Dotel, striking him in the head just inches from the victim’s face during the tense confrontation on Dec. 23, according to the footage and police.
The 30-year-old suspect fell backward to the ground and was later pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital.
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Police said on Friday Dotel held the victim in a chokehold with his right arm around her neck and his left hand applying more pressure to his right arm.
As the victim was losing consciousness, police opened fire, authorities said Friday.
“Do it, she’s gonna get it,” Dotel shouted at Morgese and his partner as he held his mother in front of him as a shield, according to the new bodycam footage released.
“Shoot me, shoot me,” he screamed in the apartment’s living room as continued to dare cops to do it, the video shows.
When Morgese asked where the knife was and to drop it, Dotel replied, “I got the knife,” footage shows.
“Drop the knife, where is it,” Morgese said again just seconds before he fired his gun.
When police first reached the apartment, a younger woman ran out of the unit with apparent slice wounds to her face, police said.
Police said in December two victims were wounded during the violent episode.
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A photo of a large carving knife found at the scene was released by authorities at the time. An email to the NYPD for clarification was not immediately returned Sunday night.
“Today was a complete tragedy during this holiday season,” NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said during a press conference back then.
He commended the two cops for their composure, adding their actions saved family members’ lives.
The husband of the victim echoed that sentiment, telling The Post at the time police had no choice but to shoot Dotel.
“I was standing next to the officer. The officer told him three times to (put) down the knife, let her go. He said, ‘Either kill me or I’ll kill her,’” the husband previously said.
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The New York Attorney General’s Office said days after the shooting it was also investigating the incident.
That investigation is ongoing, the AG’s office said Sunday night.
Dotel had a history of mental illness and three open criminal cases against him at the time of the shooting, police sources previously said.
* Original Article:
https://nypost.com/2024/03/03/us-news/new-video-shows-moment-nypd-officer-shoot-and-kill-suspect-during-hostage-situation/amp/
