Brooklyn, NY - What began as a routine response to a domestic call took a perilous turn for NYPD officers as two were shot and injured on Tuesday afternoon at 1969 Bergen Street in Crown Heights. Responding to a distress call reporting an assault by a son, officers found themselves in a life-threatening situation.
Upon arrival, three officers and a police sergeant confronted 39-year-old Melvin Butler, who had assaulted his mother, resulting in a head injury. Attempts to apprehend Butler led to a scuffle, during which he seized one officer's gun and fired shots.
The aftermath was grave, with one officer sustaining a gunshot wound to the left hand and another to the left thigh. Both were swiftly transported to Kings County Hospital, receiving treatment for injuries deemed non-life-threatening.
In a swift turn, Butler, with a history of resisting arrest and domestic violence, faced gunfire from an officer in response to his violent actions. Currently in critical but stable condition.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban underscored the unpredictable nature of patrol duties, stating, "This was one of those so-called routine jobs for patrol officers. Which is to say there are never routine patrol jobs for NYPD officers."
Witnesses vividly recall the tension as gunfire erupted. Neighbor Nova Fuller recounted hearing multiple shots and Butler's plea, "I'm not going back to jail."
Butler's troubled history includes six prior arrests in New York City and one in North Carolina, with the latest in 2023 for domestic violence and assault. A 2004 attempted murder charge resulted in a 15-year prison sentence, indicating a longstanding criminal record.
Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged the danger posed by Butler, labeling him "a very violent and dangerous person" who sought to harm police officers. Adams praised the officers for their response, ensuring the incident's safe resolution.
The traumatic incident reverberates in the community, particularly among children who witnessed the aftermath. A neighbor voiced concern for her kids, saying, "My kids are crying because they're seeing all the blood, the glass. Something really needs to be done here."
As the investigation unfolds, no charges have been filed against Butler. The incident stands as a stark reminder of law enforcement's unpredictable nature, highlighting the potential dangers officers face even in routine situations.
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