By Stephen Stirling
Police said Ronnie Smalls, 22, of 7600 Shore Front Parkway, died from his wounds at Peninsula Hospital after being shot by an officer from the 100th Precinct in Arverne. Authorities said Smalls and another man fled when two officers attempted to approach him near the corner of Beach 63rd Street and Beach Channel Drive. Police said the officers had recognized Smalls from a previous incident in which he was observed with a loaded weapon, but fled and was not apprehended. Shortly after fleeing, Smalls and the other man separated and two officers followed on foot while another remained in a vehicle. Police said shortly after Smalls turned and ran down Beach 63rd street, the officers saw him pulling a handgun out of his waistband and pointing it towards the officer chasing him on foot. One of the officers fell to the ground with Smalls in a struggle during which shots were fired, striking Smalls three times – twice in the head and once in the leg. Police said they then recovered Smalls' loaded and cocked .380 caliber Baretta handgun. Smalls was taken to the hospital where he died a short time later. The officer who fell to the ground with Smalls was also treated for injuries sustained in the incident, police said. Police said the gun recovered from Smalls was reported stolen on Nov. 26 during a burglary in South Portland, Maine. Following the shooting, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said the shooting appeared to be well-within NYPD regulations for using deadly force against a suspect.Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e-mail at Sstirling@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
