NEW YORK – Two Long Island police officers have been stabbed after responding to a call at an apartment complex, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.
The incident occurred at around 5pm on Wednesday when a social worker checking in on two residents who lived along the Birchwood Road development in Medford called police and said one of the residents was behaving violently towards each other. .
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison said the man, who has not yet been identified, was threatening the other resident of the condo complex with a fire extinguisher.
Police said the individual threw what was described as a “Rambo-style” meat cleaver at officers responding to the scene, then stabbed two of the officers at the scene shortly thereafter. The officers then opened fire on the man, killing him.
One of the officers suffered a deep stab wound to his collarbone and was airlifted to hospital, Harrison said. The other officer was stabbed multiple times in the chest.
Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association president Noel DiGerlamo said in a statement that both officers were in “critical but stable condition,” adding that “God willing, they will make a full recovery from the horrific incident.” Harrison said both should survive.
The suspect, who Harrison said was in his 50s, had a history of arrests, as well as some possible mental health issues.
A third officer, who had not been stabbed, was treated for minor injuries. It is unclear how he sustained his injuries.
An investigation is underway.
