New Rochelle Man Killed By Police Officer During Confrontation

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – A New Rochelle man was shot and killed by a police officer Sunday after he threatened officers with a knife, the New Rochelle Police Department said.

A New Rochelle man was shot and killed by a police officer Sunday after he threatened officers with a knife, the New Rochelle Police Department said.
Photo Credit: *File Photo*

by Meredith Shamburger

05/27/2013 11:40 a.m.

Samuel Cruz was struck by a bullet once in the chest. He was taken to the Sound Shore Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Police were called to Cruz's Hickory Street apartment around 1:30 p.m. when a relative checking on Cruz's welfare reported that Cruz was off his medication, acting irrationally and refusing to open his door.

After a “lengthy dialogue” with officers through Cruz's locked door, police said they determined that Cruz was a danger to himself and others. When officers forced open the door, Cruz was armed with a hooked-bladed knife and threatened them, police said.

Officers deployed two tasers, but were unable to immobilize Cruz, police said. Cruz then lunged at the officers with the knife, which is when an officer shot at Cruz, police said.

New Rochelle police say the matter is still under investigation and the officer who discharged his gun is now on modified duty. The entire team was sent for counseling, police said.

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