Police Officer Shot Dead in Edenwald
This weekend saw a Bronx police officer fatally shot after struggling with a suspect he was trying to arrest for refusing to stop for questioning. The suspect was later shot by police.

According to officials, officers from Patrol Borough Bronx’s anti-crime unit were patrolling at the New York City Housing Authority’s Edenwald Houses, following a recent shooting and reports of gang activity.

The officer attempted to stop the man for questioning, when a foot chase and struggle began and multiple shots were fired at 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 29 behind 1129 E. 229th St. near Laconia Avenue. Police Commissioner James O’Neill said the officer was killed in a case of friendly fire.

Police Officer Brian Mulkeen was a great cop who gave it all to keep the people of our city safe. He was 33-years-old with a bright future in front of him. We will #NeverForget Brian’s service, dedication, and courage. Please keep his family and all of the NYPD in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/V7dBtJmcsq

— Chief Terence Monahan (@NYPDChiefofDept) September 29, 2019

The officer was identified as Brian Mulkeen, 33, of Yorktown Heights. He was hit three times. According to the NYPD’s Chief of Department Terence Monahan, although the suspect was carrying a .32-caliber revolver, investigators currently believe the 6 1/2 year veteran was shot with his own gun.

Mulkeen’s two partners from his unit and two additional officers arriving at the scene all returned fire, hitting and killing suspect identified as Lavance Williams, 27, of Binghamton, N.Y. Officials say Williams was on probation for drug possession and was to face harassment charges in Binghamton on Oct. 4. Williams had previously served two years in prison for a burglary conviction in Rockland County in 2012.

Monahan told reporters at Jacobi Hospital, “On body-worn camera video, Officer Mulkeen can be heard yelling, ‘He’s reaching for it,'” as he warned the members of his unit.

“Brian was a great cop,” Monahan said of the young officer, “dedicated to keeping this city safe. In fact, just last night he arrested a man in possession of a gun in the very same precinct.” He added, “Tonight is a vivid example of the dangers New York City cops face every day. And, there’s never a doubt that our officers will continue to put it all on the line to keep people safe.”

Mulkeen is the second police officer killed in the line of duty in 2019, while nine other officers have lost their lives to suicide, sparking a campaign by the NYPD to encourage officers to reach out for help if they feel despondent.

On Sept. 16, a traffic accident took the life of NYPD Deputy Inspector Michael McGrath, 56, who was killed when his motorcycle was struck by a truck on East Tremont Avenue in Pelham Bay.

Mulkeen, a graduate of Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business in Manhattan, joined the NYPD in January 2013 and had racked up 260 arrests, more than half of which were felony charges.—David Greene

Chain Snatchers
NYPD is needs help identifying two men wanted in connection to a chain snatching that happened in Kingsbridge on Aug. 29 in broad daylight. Police say it happened near 2500 Bailey Ave. with the two men approaching the woman and ripping her chain off her neck.

The first suspect is described as a black, around 22-years-old, 5’7″, and weighing 150lbs. He sports a medium complexion, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a white tan-top, black shorts and black sneakers.

The second suspect is described as Black man, approximately 22-years-old, 5’7″,150lbs; with a medium complexion, a shaved head and last seen wearing a white T-shirt, black Nike shorts, black sneakers, and last seen carrying a black backpack with white stripes.—Sha-Nia Alston

Kingsbridge Heights Stabber
Police are looking for a man (pictured below) wanted for two robberies, with in which he used a knife to stab the victim. The first incident happened Sept. in a residential building in Kingsbridge Heights. Police say the thief stabbed the victim inside the building, then taking her purse before running off. The victim, 22 years old, was inside her building near Morris Avenue and East 196th Street when she was repeatedly stabbed. The suspect fled on foot on Creston Avenue heading towards East Kingsbridge Road.

The second time, the same suspect allegedly followed a 24-year-old woman into a residential building near Creston Avenue and East Kingsbridge Road on Sept. 14, punching her, and taking her bag containing credit cards and $10. The man then fled south on Creston Avenue towards the East Kingsbridge Road tunnel, an area known for drug use.

The suspect is described as a Black or Hispanic man approximately in his 20s, 5’8″, 150lbs; brown eyes, black locs and last seen wearing a black hoodie sweater, black pants, and white and blue sneakers. —Sha-Nia Alston

Norwood Bicycle Burglary
Police are trying to close out a robbery case that happened in the Norwood section on Sept. 3. According to police, the suspect entered a residential building in the vicinity of East 205th Street and East Mosholu Parkway, forcing his way into a storage area, taking several bicycles before taking off.

The suspect is described as white or Hispanic, approximately in his 30s, medium complexion, short black hair, and last seen wearing a red-colored T-shirt with white black lettering in front, blue shorts, light-colored sneakers, and a black cap.—Sha-Nia Alston

Missing Man
Police are looking for clues to help find a missing man last seen at Bay Plaza Mall. Norwood resident Joshua Colon, 43, was last seen on Sept. 16 wearing a maroon T-shirt, black shorts, and red and black sneakers. He is described as 6’3″ tall, weighing 270 lbs, with a heavy build, brown eyes, and black hair.—Sha-Nia Alston

 

 

Missing 12-Year-Old Norwood Girl
The 52nd Precinct has another missing persons case on its hands, trying to determine the whereabouts of 12-year-old Rachell Sanchez-Suriel of Norwood. Rachell was last seen on Sept. 24 within the confines of Manhattan’s 23rd Precinct. She is described as Hispanic, standing at 5’6”, and weighing 162 lbs.—David Cruz

Anyone with information in regards to these incidents can call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).