By Joe Anuta
Police shot a man in the stomach in Astoria Wednesday morning after officers said he refused to drop two box cutters he was holding and attempts to subdue the man with a Taser and pepper spray failed, the NYPD said.
At about 1:49 a.m., police responded to a report of a man allegedly assaulting a woman and her two children at 27-24 21st St. in Astoria, the NYPD said.
Cops arrived at the apartment complex and saw the 42-year-old man in the entrance of the building, holding a box cutter in each hand, the NYPD said.
Officers called for backup and ordered the suspect to drop the weapons, according to the NYPD.
When the man allegedly did not comply, officers shot the man with a Taser and discharged pepper spray, which failed to subdue the man, police said.
The man, cutters still in hand, then allegedly approached police, the NYPD said.
One officer fired a single round into the torso of the suspect.
EMS responded to the scene and the suspect was taken to Elmhurst General Hospital, according to cops.
He is listed in stable condition, said police. As of Wednesday afternoon, charges against the man were still pending.
Reach reporter Joe Anuta at januta@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
