Holly MatkinBabylon, NY – An off-duty New York police detective shot an intruder who broke into his house and threatened to kill him early morning on March 5, according to police.
Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) investigators said they believe the suspect possibly tried to break into various homes on 5th Avenue before he successfully entered one of them at about 3:30 a.m. on March 5, News 12 reported.
The house belonged to a New York police detective, who was inside the home with his sleeping wife and children at the time, the New York Post reported.
“I will kill you!” the suspect allegedly vowed during the ensuing confrontation.
The detective fired a single round at the intruder, striking him in his eye, sources told the New York Post.
The detective, who is assigned to the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) 115th Precinct in Jackson Heights, was not injured during the incident.
He called 911 immediately after shooting the suspect, News 12 reported.
Local residents said they were shocked by the turn of events and that they didn’t hear the gunshot or any other noises to indicate there was a problem.
“When I woke up, there was 15 squad cars here,” one neighbor told News 12.
“I’ve been here 50 years,” local resident Joe Bianco added. “Never had any problems. My grandkids, my daughter’s here with us. It’s a safe neighborhood. Kinda shocked that that happened.”
Bianco said he plans to double-check the locks on his doors every night to make sure his home is secure.
“It’s going to be locked and I have two dogs so we’ll make sure they’re roaming around the house to keep everything safe,” he told News 12.
Investigators later determined the suspect was not carrying a gun, despite his threat to kill the detective, the New York Post reported.
The wounded home intruder was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive his injuries, according to the SCPD.
He is also expected to face charges of attempted burglary, News 12 reported.
The SCPD is handling the ongoing investigation into the incident.
