NYPD Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting in the Bronx

An NYPD officer fatally shot a man in the Bronx on Thursday morning, according to police officials. The shooting occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m. at an apartment building located on Willis Avenue, between Bruckner Boulevard and East 132nd Street.

Attempt to Apprehend Sex Offender

The NYPD’s Bronx Warrant Squad was attempting to arrest Lucien Colon, 44, who had an outstanding warrant for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements. Colon was on parole for a 2013 murder conviction and was previously convicted of rape in 1997. He also had a prior arrest for attempted murder in 1995.

Confrontation and Shooting

Initial Entry and Verbal Exchange

Officers were granted access to Colon’s apartment by a woman who resided there. Upon entering, they encountered Colon holding what appeared to be a firearm. Officers immediately began a verbal exchange, requesting Colon to show his hands.

According to police, Colon stated, “I have a gun.” When asked to step out of the room, he responded, “It’s not going to happen.” The interaction lasted approximately 90 seconds.

Use of Force

“During this verbal interaction, which lasted for approximately a minute and a half, the officers showed extreme restraint and truly attempted to deescalate the situation,” an NYPD official stated. After Colon failed to comply with repeated requests, one officer discharged their firearm, striking him.

Aftermath and Investigation

Colon was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police displayed a photograph of the object Colon was holding, which they believe to be a firearm.

It is currently unclear whether the weapon was a real gun or a BB gun, according to police. The entire incident was captured on the officers’ body-worn cameras. No officers were injured during the encounter, though they were taken to the hospital for evaluation.