New York Police Commissioner Bill Bratton has apologized to the family of a man killed Friday night by an officer involved in an undercover operation.
Authorities said the undercover officer had been participating in an illegal gun-buy in Mount Vernon, north of the Bronx, when he was robbed at gunpoint by a second suspect. After the officer attempted to stop the fleeing man, the suspect then pointed his gun at the officer, police said, prompting him to open fire.
The suspect was shot three times in the torso, according to police, but a bystander standing behind the man was also struck.
Authorities said the bystander, Felix Kumi, 61, was taken to a local hospital for a torso wound, but died early on Saturday morning.
In a statement, Commissioner Bratton expressed his "profound sorrow and sympathy" to the Mount Vernon resident's family.
"Mr. Kumi was blameless, and this tragedy has tested and tried his family," Bratton said." I pray that they may find comfort in their hope of resurrection and awakening, and I tender the Department’s support and service in their grief."
The unnamed suspect who allegedly aimed a weapon at the officer was taken into custody and brought to a hospital, police said, with charges pending.
Police said they recovered a handgun replica from the 37-year-old suspect.
The suspect from whom the undercover officer was allegedly buying weapons from was identified by police as 28-year-old Jeffrey Aristy.
He was arrested and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance and firearms.