The NYPD has released body-worn camera footage from a shooting incident at a Brooklyn subway station last Sunday, where two officers opened fire after a confrontation with a man accused of skipping the fare. The man, 37-year-old Derrell Mickles, allegedly charged at officers with a knife, prompting the use of deadly force.
The shooting, which took place at a Brownsville subway stop, left three people injured: Mickles, a 49-year-old bystander, and a 26-year-old woman. The bystander, Gregory Delpeche, was critically wounded after being shot in the head, and doctors had to perform emergency surgery to reduce brain swelling. Delpeche was on his way to work at Woodhull Hospital when the incident occurred. The two other injured individuals are expected to survive.
Mickles, who faced multiple charges including attempted aggravated assault on a police officer and weapons possession, pleaded not guilty during a virtual hearing from his hospital bed. His lawyer, Jonathan Fink, claimed there may have been “disproportionate force” used by police.
Footage and Timeline of the Incident
According to bodycam footage and surveillance video from the station, Mickles was first seen jumping the subway turnstile in front of two officers. When approached, he left the station but later returned holding a knife. The officers followed him and repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon. Despite deploying Tasers, which had little effect, Mickles continued to hold the knife.
As Mickles backed onto a train, the officers pursued him, issuing further warnings to drop the knife. Mickles eventually left the train and ran toward one officer, who retreated. When the officers drew their guns, Mickles stopped, but they fired multiple shots, hitting him and two bystanders. The knife, initially reported as recovered, was later found by police after it was removed from the scene.
Calls for Accountability
The family of Gregory Delpeche, the critically injured bystander, has condemned the officers’ actions, arguing that the situation could have been de-escalated without gunfire. Nick Liakas, the family’s attorney, described the police narrative as a “gross mischaracterization” of the events, stating that innocent lives were put at risk.
Meanwhile, police officials, including NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell, have defended the officers, asserting that Mickles charged at one officer with a weapon after refusing to comply with orders. Interim Commissioner Thomas Donlon echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the officers acted to protect themselves and others on the platform.
Community Reactions
The shooting has drawn widespread criticism from police reform advocates and local officials. A large protest took place in Brownsville, where nearly 20 people were arrested. Critics, including New York City Councilmember Chris Banks, have accused the NYPD of acting recklessly and endangering innocent bystanders.
Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain, offered support for the officers’ actions, stating that their response demonstrated discipline and a clear attempt to deescalate the situation. However, Adams refrained from further comments pending the outcome of a formal review into the shooting.
The incident has reignited debates around police use of force in New York City, particularly in cases involving minor offenses like fare evasion.
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