New York City police officers shot a man who opened fire at them in the Bronx on Monday afternoon, police said.
No officers were hurt.
According to police, Victor Soto, 49, was having an argument with multiple customers and staff inside of a deli on Bainbridge Avenue and East 194th Street in the Fordham section at around 3 p.m. One worker said the suspect pulled out a gun and tried to shoot him, but the firearm failed. Police said surveillance video backs up that claim.
Police said Soto then walked outside and started slamming his gun on the outside glass. That’s when two officers in a marked van pulled up and instructed Soto to drop the weapon, police said. They said he instead pointed the gun at officers and a firefight broke out. Police said Soto was even firing the weapon over his shoulder as he was running away from officers, putting bystanders at risk.
Police returned fire, hitting the suspect. He was rushed to the hospital and is expected to survive.
“[Officers] observe the subject’s actions, and immediately issue verbal commands for the subject to drop the weapon. The subject not only disregarded the order to drop the weapon, but instead pointed the firearm directly at the officers,” NYPD Assistant Chief Aneudy Castillo said. “As the subject is discharging his weapon, he is continuing northbound and firing behind him in broad daylight with civilians in the area.”
Video earlier from Chopper 2 shows what appears to be a weapon laying on the ground, and at least 23 evidence markers on the ground, with bullet casings next to many of them.
Police said the gun used in the shooting was recovered from the scene.
NYPD Officers Shoot Man Who Opened Fire At Them In The Bronx, Police Say
