54-year-old Wei Chan killed after allegedly advancing toward officers with a large knife; his 75-year-old father injured
NEW YORK: A 54-year-old man was fatally shot by NYPD officers after he allegedly approached police while armed with a large butcher’s knife on Manhattan’s Lower East Side Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. at 126 Ludlow Street, after police received multiple 911 calls reporting a violent incident at an apartment building. When officers arrived, they reportedly found blood on the stairs and began searching the building.
According to police, officers encountered a man carrying a large knife. They repeatedly ordered him to show his hands and drop the weapon. Authorities said the man continued moving toward the officers with the knife, prompting police to open fire.
The man, identified as 54-year-old Wei Chan, was struck by gunfire and transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police recovered the knife at the scene.
Chan’s 75-year-old father, Cheung Chan, was also found suffering from a head injury. He was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive. According to the preliminary account, the injury occurred during an altercation involving his son.
Several police officers involved in the incident were also taken to a hospital for evaluation. No serious injuries to the officers have been reported.
The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is investigating the police shooting. Some portions of the encounter were reportedly captured on officers’ body-worn cameras, which are expected to be reviewed as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not released a final determination regarding the circumstances leading up to the confrontation or the use of deadly force.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Source: ABC7 New York, CBS New York
