Man barricaded in apartment shot by police in Mount Vernon
MOUNT VERNON, New York (WABC) -- Police in Mount Vernon shot a 58-year-old man who barricaded himself for hours inside a home.
Officials say they were there to execute an order to commit the man to a mental health facility.
It happened Thursday night just before 10 p.m. in the area of Columbus Avenue and East 4th Street.
Officials say police were called for a mental health check when they encountered Ulysses McGhee armed with two knives.
They say he refused to comply with their orders and he barricaded himself inside an apartment.
Hostage negotiators responded to the scene and worked for hours to de-escalate the situation, officials said.
Police say after the negotiation efforts were not successful and threats of self-harm and harm to officers were made, police obtained a warrant to get into the apartment around 2 a.m.
Officials insist they tried to keep the situation from turning violent. They used tasers and a beanbag round first, which they claim were not effective.
Authorities say the man continued to pose a threat to himself and responding officers and an officer discharged their firearm.
The man was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
The shooting remains under investigation by New York State police.
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