Bystander Shot in the Head by NYPD During Fare Evader Chase

Summary:

A bystander, Gregory Delpeche, was shot in the head by NYPD officers during a pursuit of a fare evader, Derell Mickles.
Delpeche, reportedly on his way to work, suffered brain damage and required cranial surgery, leaving his family in a "waiting game."
Delpeche's family claims the NYPD acted recklessly and is demanding an investigation into the shooting.
Mayor Eric Adams defended the officers' actions, citing a need for "the right decision" in a dangerous situation.
Interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon blamed the suspect, claiming he refused to drop his weapon after repeated orders from officers.
The shooting sparked protests, raising concerns about police use of force in crowded public spaces.
The NYPD is facing scrutiny over its actions, with many questioning the justification of the shooting.

Bystander Critically Injured in Brooklyn Subway Station Shooting

Gregory Delpeche, a 49-year-old bystander, is in critical condition after being shot in the head by New York City police officers. The shooting occurred on Sunday, September 15th, at the Sutter Avenue subway station in Brooklyn, while officers were attempting to apprehend a suspect, Derell Mickles, 38, accused of fare evasion.

According to reports, Mickles was seen jumping over a turnstile without paying the $2.90 fare. When officers attempted to stop him, he allegedly pulled out a knife, and police, after their tasers proved ineffective, fired nine rounds, striking Mickles in the abdomen. Two bystanders, including Delpeche, were injured. Delpeche, reportedly on his way to work at Woodhull Hospital, suffered brain damage and required cranial surgery.

Delpeche's family is demanding an investigation into the shooting, claiming the NYPD acted recklessly. His cousin, Greg Nougues, told the Associated Press that Delpeche was "breathing through a tube" and the family is "in a waiting game." Nougues also expressed concern about the NYPD's actions, stating, "There's no reason why he should not make it to work. I believe that the NYPD was reckless."

Mayor Adams Defends Police Actions, Interim Commissioner Blames Suspect

New York City Mayor Eric Adams defended the officers' actions, citing the need for police to make "the right decision." He stated, "I saw discipline. I saw a desire to de-escalate the situation."

However, Interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon acknowledged the incident as a "tragedy" but placed blame on the suspect, saying, "This incident happened because an individual decided to enter our subway system. He refused to drop that weapon after repeated orders by the officers." Mickles faces charges of first-degree attempted assault, theft of services, menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon.

The incident has sparked protests outside the subway station, with at least 18 people arrested. The shooting has raised concerns about police use of force in the city, particularly in crowded public spaces. The NYPD is facing scrutiny over its actions, with many questioning if the shooting was justified and if more could have been done to prevent the injury to an innocent bystander.

Source: PEOPLE