Brooklyn police fatally shot a man early Sunday after he allegedly attacked an officer with a butcher knife near a precinct station, authorities said.
The incident happened in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn, outside the 73rd Precinct station house. Police said the man slashed an officer with a knife that had a 14-inch blade before officers opened fire.
On Monday, the New York Police Department identified the man as 35-year-old Justin Coleman of Brooklyn.
Chief of Patrol Phillip Rivera said the attack posed a unique danger. He noted that officers face risk on the streets, but the threat increases when someone enters a precinct armed and attacks staff. Police have not yet determined the motive for the attack.
The confrontation began around 5:24 a.m. Surveillance footage showed the suspect trying to enter the precinct’s locked front door. When that failed, he moved to the back, where a door marked for NYPD personnel only was open.
Rivera said an officer stationed at the precinct confronted the suspect immediately. The officer instructed him to go to the front for assistance. At that point, the man allegedly pulled out a butcher knife and attacked her. The officer managed to defend herself but suffered a slash to her forehead.
After the attack, the suspect fled through the rear door, still holding the knife. Several officers pursued him, repeatedly ordering him to drop the weapon.
Police first tried to stop the suspect with a stun gun, but it had no effect. Rivera said the man lunged at another officer with the knife extended. This prompted the officers to open fire.
The NYPD confirmed that two officers fired at the suspect. He was hit multiple times and taken to Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, where he was pronounced dead.
Police displayed the butcher knife at a news conference on Sunday. Authorities said it was the weapon used in the attack on the precinct officer.
Rivera emphasized the dangers officers face when a suspect enters a police station armed. He said situations like this highlight the unpredictable threats officers encounter daily.
The NYPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the suspect’s motives. Authorities said more details would be released as the investigation progresses.
