NYPD officers opened fire on a man they claim evaded subway fare at the Sutter Avenue L train station in Brownsville, Brooklyn, leaving him, an officer, and two bystanders injured.
NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey revealed that officers were patrolling the station around 3:00 p.m. when they saw 37-year-old Derell Mickles enter without paying. A dramatic pursuit ensued, with Mickles eventually engaging the officers after running through the station. The confrontation resulted in them first trying to tase Mickles before shooting him. A 49-year-old man, a 26-year-old woman, and an officer involved in the pursuit were also struck by bullets. Initially reported as stable, Mickles’ condition worsened to critical by Monday morning. The 49-year-old bystander was hit in the head and also remains in critical condition. The law enforcement official and the 26-year-old woman are reportedly in stable condition.
Despite this dramatic scene, Maddrey maintains the officers were justified in firing rapidly at Mickles over failing to pay the fare, which was reportedly just $2.90. The chief claims the suspect threatened officers with a knife, prompting them to begin shooting and hurting innocent people, including one of their own. Maddrey also claims Mickles challenged the officers after refusing to comply with their orders, allegedly stating, “No, you’re going to have to shoot me” before they witnessed the blade.
The NYPD’s Detective Squad and Force Investigation Division is investigating the case. It’s unclear what, if any, charges the officers will face. If Mickles survives, it’s unknown if he will be accused of skipping the fare or in connection to the shootings.
