The NYPD reports a 61-year-old bystander, Felix Kumi, has died after he was accidentally shot by a plainclothes officer during an undercover gun buy that went bad. We extend our condolences to his family and friends.
Bystander Dies After Shot By NYPD During Undercover Gun Buy In Mount Vernon
Authorities say he was shot Friday afternoon after a man pulled a gun on an undercover NYPD officer during a probe into the sale of illegal firearms.
Officials say the 37-year-old gunman was hit three times in the torso while another bullet struck Felix Kumi. The gunman, whose identity was not immediately released, was taken to a hospital. Charges against him were pending.
Police said a second suspect, 28-year-old Jeffrey Aristy of the Bronx, was arrested on weapons and drugs charges and claimed he was the primary target of the investigation.
Investigators say Aristy contacted an undercover police officer, told the officer he had guns for sale and met with him in the Bronx, NY. After, Aristy met him in the borough and then, began traveling to a neighborhood in Mount Vernon, located in Westchester, NY. Police say when they arrived at a Mount Vernon location, a second suspect entered the car, had some discussion, pointed a gun at the head of the undercover officer and successfully attempted at usurping money. Before the money was handed over, the undercover cop signaled for back-up, which caused instant gunfire from police.
“We believe the gun that was put to our undercover’s head is a replica of a large semiautomatic pistol,” an officer said. “It was found behind a house where the suspect fled.”
Today (Saturday),NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton released a statement expressing condolences to Kumi’s family.
“I wish to express my profound sorrow and sympathy to the family of Felix Kumi, an uninvolved bystander who was struck and killed by police gunfire during an undercover gun-buy operation last night,” the statement said. “Mr. Kumi was blameless, and this tragedy has tested and tried his family. I pray that they may find comfort in their hope of resurrection and awakening, and I tender the Department’s support and service in their grief.”
The suspect who pointed gun at officer’s head, that was shot several times, is in stable condition.
Bystander Dies After Shot By NYPD During Undercover Gun Buy In Mount Vernon
SOURCE: ABC
