Bay Shore traffic stop ends in deadly police shooting

BAY SHORE, N.Y. (WABC) -- A man was shot and killed by police following a traffic stop on Long Island overnight Friday.

Authorities say the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Andres Morales, took off running from the car, leading police on a foot chase before producing a gun and aiming it at an officer.

"I really wasn't sure what was going on and then I see it blocked off here," said Tiara Rowland, a Bay Shore resident.

The scene played out around midnight in Bay Shore in Suffolk County, coming to its deadly conclusion at the intersection of Dewey Place and Korol Street.

"You just heard people outside screaming. you heard two gunshots," said Tiffany Garcia, a Bay Shore resident. "That was basically it. It didn't even sound like gunshots. It sounded like fireworks."

Police say there were three people in the car, which was pulled over for a routine traffic stop. The moment they vehicle stopped, investigators say the front seat passenger jumped out and fled the scene.

One of the officers chased and caught up with Morales near Korol and Dewey, where an altercation ensued. That's when police said the suspect pulled a handgun.

"The officer caught up to the passenger, and a confrontation ensued, at which time the passenger produced a handgun," Suffolk Police Lt. Kevin Beyrer said. "The officer fired at the passenger. The passenger was shot and killed."

The officer fired at the Morales, who was hit twice in the chest and died. Police said the officer, who also suffered injuries not believed to be serious, opened fire in self defense.

Morales' friends were still in shock later Friday. "I'm still collecting my thoughts you know what I mean," said a friend who only identified himself as Cozzy. "This is my brother. C'mon now. This is crazy."