A 44-year-old man who police say was waving a gun is in critical condition after being shot multiple times by an off-duty police officer on Staten Island, cops said Friday night.
The off-duty officer shot the man several times throughout his body after the victim allegedly waved a gun during an encounter on William Ave. near Hylan Boulevard around 8:20 p.m., according to police.
“We believe this is a suicide by cop,” a police source said, using the police term for someone who wants to be killed by an officer.
EMS transported the man to an area hospital, where he is in critical condition, police said.
Police recovered a firearm believed to belong to the victim at the scene. Cops could not immediately say if the victim had fired any shots.
“The investigation is ongoing,” a police spokesperson said.
On social media the NYPD urged people to steer clear of the area: “Due to police activity, avoid the vicinity of Hylan Boulevard and Heinz Avenue in Staten Island. Expect emergency vehicles and delays in the surrounding area,” NYPDNews posted on X.
This is a developing story. Check back for more information.
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