Quantcast

Police shoot and kill knife-wielding man in Flushing

109-Pct-Police-Involved-Shooting-624×467
Photo courtesy of NYPD

One man is dead after he confronted police with a utility knife Sunday morning in Flushing, according to authorities.

The incident started when a 29-year-old man at New York Hospital Queens threatened personnel with a knife and then fled the facility, police said.

According to published reports, the man, Joseph Priolo, checked into the hospital early Sunday morning complaining of chest pains. Following his release, he returned a short time later, brandishing the weapon.

After he fled the hospital, cops were called, and at about 7:40 a.m., they began to canvas the area.

Then at about 8:24 a.m., a suspect, who fit Priolo’s description, was seen in front of 43-32 Kissena Blvd., according to authorities.

Police approached Priolo on foot and he then confronted one of the officers while holding a utility knife in one hand, authorities said. The officer then shot his gun twice, striking Priolo once in the torso.

Priolo was taken to New York Hospital Queens where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Four members of the NYPD were taken to New York Hospital Queens for treatment of tinnitus.

The investigation is ongoing.

RECOMMENDED STORIES