NYPD Bodycam Footage Reveals Subway Shooting Incident Involving Fare-Evader with Knife in Brooklyn

The NYPD has released body-worn camera footage from a recent shooting at a Brooklyn subway station, which began as a confrontation with an alleged fare evader armed with a knife. Two officers fired their weapons, injuring the suspect and two bystanders. The incident has sparked debate on the use of force by police.

Details of the Incident

The confrontation occurred at a Brownsville subway station when the alleged fare evader, later identified as Derrell Mickles, allegedly attacked the officers with a knife. The man was hit by the officers' gunfire, as were two innocent bystanders, one of whom was critically injured.

Gregory Delpeche, a 49-year-old man on his way to work, sustained a severe injury to the head and was hospitalized in critical condition. The other injured party, a 26-year-old woman, suffered a graze wound. The officers involved in the shooting were also affected, with one sustaining an armpit injury. Fortunately, all individuals involved are expected to survive.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

The suspect Mickles, aged 37, faced the judge virtually from his hospital bed and pleaded not guilty to several charges, including attempted aggravated assault on a police officer and weapons possession. His bail was set at $200,000. Mickles' lawyer pointed out that there seemed to be a strong argument for the disproportionate use of force by the police in this case.

Officer's Perspective

The NYPD has defended the actions of the officers involved, stating that they drew their weapons after the suspect charged at one of them and after their attempts to de-escalate the situation and use tasers had failed. The officers were reported to have repeatedly ordered the suspect to drop the knife, which he refused to do. According to the NYPD's interim commissioner, the situation escalated when the suspect advanced toward the officers while armed.

Public Reactions and Protests

The use of deadly force has sparked criticism and calls for accountability from the family of one of the bystanders, who argue that there was no need for the officers to resort to gunfire in the subway station. Police reform advocates have also condemned the shooting, stating that it endangered transit users and questioning the approach taken by law enforcement in the subway system.

The incident led to protests, with demonstrators condemning the officers' actions. New York City Council member Chris Banks criticized the officers for their reckless behavior, while Mayor Eric Adams supported the police's actions, citing their efforts to de-escalate the situation. Following the release of the footage, the mayor's office acknowledged that the shooting occurred after the suspect brandished a dangerous weapon and put officers' lives at risk, reiterating the ongoing formal review of the incident.