A domestic dispute led to police shooting a 27-year-old Astoria man who was reportedly wielding a machete.
Officers from the 114th precinct responded to a 911 call at 9:48 a.m. at 31-63 33rd Street on the report of an emotionally-disturbed person armed with a weapon.
The 911 caller, later identified as Brianna Cortez, relayed to officers that the man had taken “a lot of pills” and was saying that he “wanted to die.”
Police say that the 27-year-old suspect, Eduardo Andrade, confronted officers in the apartment hallway while holding the 911 caller’s mother. Together, Cortez and Andrade have a three-year-old child, who reportedly witnessed the scene.
Chief of Department Kenneth Corey briefed the media later Monday morning, where he described the confrontation officers had with the suspect and preliminary information about the case.
“After getting the mother out of the apartment, the officers deployed a taser,” Corey said. “The taser had no effect.”
That’s when, police say, one officer discharged “approximately three rounds,” striking the man in his groin.
The 27-year-old suspect was transported to Elmhurst Medical Center, where he underwent surgery and is expected to recover.
Two of the four responding officers underwent medical evaluations, but did not sustain any serious injuries.
Corey went on to say that there is a “rather extensive domestic history” between Cortez and Andrade, which includes multiple allegations of domestic assault, harassment and violations of protection orders.
In a video circulating on social media, Cortez is at the scene yelling that she called the police over an argument.
“They didn’t ask questions,” Cortez can be heard saying. “They dragged my 53-year-old mother to the floor, ripped her shirt off, and then shot my son’s father twice in front of him.”
She continued, “This is why you don’t call the NYPD for help. They will shoot you and blame your family.”
Police relayed that the responding officers had body cameras on their person and they were activated at the scene. Those videos are currently being reviewed by the police department.
Video:
https://twitter.com/SamiLiebman/status/1513552253910765572?s=20&t=R3Rf4w7k7KHIlxqBwDUqXA
