Two women were shot and injured by New York City police in Times Square Saturday night after police attempted to shoot a 35-year-old man who was acting strangely.
Omg just witnessed NYPD gun down a pedestrian in Times Square @CNN
Kerri Ann Nesbeth
@knesbeth
Omg just witnessed NYPD gun down a pedestrian in Times Square @CNN
The man was in the middle of the street and at one point pretended to point a weapon at officers.
This cannot be happening in front of me @CNN
Kerri Ann Nesbeth
@knesbeth
This cannot be happening in front of me @CNN
The NYPD released a statement:
"The male was blocking traffic and appeared to be attempting to be struck by vehicles when the officer attempted to take him into custody. The male eluded the officer, and when additional officers responded to the scene, the male put his hand in his pocket and then took it out, simulating that he was shooting at the officers."
Police fired three shots at the man, and missed. He was later struck by a Taser and hospitalized. He was described as "an emotionally disturbed person."
Pure chaos
Kerri Ann Nesbeth
@knesbeth
Pure chaos
The two bystanders who were struck, women ages 35 and 54, were hospitalized. Police said one of the women was shot in the right knee and the other was shot in the buttocks.
Man hit by taxi gets shot at 4 times by NYPD, they hit a pedestrian instead :(
Kerri Ann Nesbeth
@knesbeth
Man hit by taxi gets shot at 4 times by NYPD, they hit a pedestrian instead :(
