Officers fire at armed suspect at scene of car crash in Washington Heights
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (WABC) -- Police in Washington Heights were involved in a shooting early Thursday morning after responding to a car crash.
Officials say the officers arrived at the scene on Haven Avenue and West 177th Street at around 2:50 a.m.
Video shows a black car facing the wrong direction up on the divider at the entrance of the Henry Hudson Parkway.
One officer approached the passenger side of the car, where a woman, the suspect's ex-girlfriend was sitting. Another officer approached the driver side and gunfire ensued.
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell provided an update on the shooting at around 6:30 a.m.
"A second officer approaches the driver's side. Immediately upon approaching that car, the door opens up and a man, Hispanic, 19 years old, wearing a mask, jumps out of the car in possession of a firearm," Chell said.
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Officers fired their weapons at the suspect and shot him twice in the chest. He was taken to a local hospital for surgery and is expected to survive.
The passenger of the car was taken into custody. Charges for the suspect who was shot by police and the passenger, are pending.
Officials say they have not yet determined if the suspect ever fired his weapon at police.
The officers who responded to the scene were not injured but were evaluated.
"This is the second time in four days that our cops responded to help people from their community and are met with an immediate attack and have to defend themselves," Chell said.
NYPD was at the scene to conduct a further investigation through Thursday morning.
Chell says that the NYPD found a handwritten note inside the suspect's car that said he wanted to take his own life.
"We do have a note that indicated that the individual wanted to commit suicide for various things going on in his life, but he also apologized to cops for what was about to happen," Chell said.
The NYPD says that note is being used to determine a motive.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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