A Bronx teenager is in critical condition after an altercation with NYPD officers ended in gunfire. The incident, which took place last night, left an NYPD sergeant also injured. According to Gothamist, the events unfolded after the teen, identified as Antonio Morales, allegedly robbed family members at gunpoint in Van Nest and subsequently barricaded himself in an apartment on East Gun Hill Road in Williamsbridge.
Responding to a 911 call from Morales' father, who reported the robbery, officers arrived at the scene around 9:15 p.m. Gothamist reports that the father and police went to the location where Morales was believed to be hiding. The NYPD's Chief of Patrol, Philip Rivera, detailed that officers established a perimeter and listened as Morales' father recognized his son's voice. The officers attempted to prevent his exit, awaiting the Emergency Services Unit.
Shortly thereafter, three gunshots were heard from within the apartment, prompting the teen to emerge suddenly. "The suspect fled through the open door, where he encountered officers positioned outside the door. A struggle ensued as officers attempted to take him into custody. One officer fell backwards and hit his head," Rivera was quoted in ABC 7 New York. During the struggle, another officer fired at Morales, hitting him in the lower back and right arm.
Both the injured sergeant and Morales were transported to Jacobi Hospital, where the teen remains in critical condition. The officer who sustained a head injury is expected to recover fully. Authorities recovered a loaded gun from a bag Morales carried, believed to be the weapon used before he tried to flee. As reported by ABC 7 New York, Morales has a significant violent criminal history, with charges now pending against him based on the recent events.
The NYPD's Force Investigation Division is set to review footage from surveillance and body-worn cameras to thoroughly examine the circumstances of the shooting.
