A 49-year-old man was shot by police in Brooklyn on Sunday, April 6, after officers claimed he attacked four young girls with a meat cleaver. The incident began when an 11-year-old girl called 911 to report that her uncle was assaulting her and her siblings.
Police arrived at around 10:15 a.m. in the Bensonhurst neighborhood, where the girl was able to provide her location even though she did not know her exact address. When officers reached the building, they were let inside by another child who was uninjured.
Once inside, police had to forcibly enter the girl’s apartment. They found a man, identified as Longqian Chen, holding a bloody meat cleaver. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon multiple times, but he refused and moved toward them. In response, two officers fired at him, hitting him and neutralizing the threat.
The four girls, aged 8 to 16, were found inside the apartment with serious injuries but are expected to recover. Chen was taken to a hospital, where he is reported to be in critical condition.
The police commissioner praised the actions of the children, especially the 11-year-old victim who managed to call for help, as well as the officers who responded. She indicated that the situation could have ended much worse.
Authorities have since recovered two knives from the scene and noted that the suspect has a history of mental health issues. There had been no reports of domestic violence at the home prior to this incident. Police expressed gratitude for the quick and decisive actions of everyone involved that helped save the children’s lives.
