A New York City police officer was accidentally shot by friendly fire during a confrontation with a knife-wielding suspect at a Brooklyn subway station. The incident, which occurred on Sept. 15, 2024, at the Sutter Avenue L Train Station, involved Officers Edmund Mays and Alex Wong as they attempted to subdue 37-year-old Derrell Mickles.
Mickles was initially stopped after jumping a turnstile but later reentered the station with a knife. When the officers confronted him, Mickles refused to drop the weapon despite repeated commands, taunting the officers instead.
After tasers failed to stop Mickles, he attempted to flee, prompting the officers to open fire. Officer Wong fired six shots, while Officer Mays discharged three rounds. During the exchange, Officer Mays was accidentally hit by friendly fire.
Two bystanders were also injured during the incident. Officer Mays and the injured civilians were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Mickles, who still held onto the knife after being shot, was eventually disarmed by Officer Mays, who kicked the weapon away. Mickles was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
The incident showcases the dangers officers face when engaging armed suspects in public spaces and highlights the potential for unintended injuries in the line of duty.
