Bystander dies after being shot by NYPD undercover officer

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (AP) — An innocent bystander accidentally shot by a plainclothes officer died early Saturday, hours after being wounded when the officer opened fire on an armed suspect during an undercover gun buy that went bad, New York City police said.

Felix Kumi, 61, of Mount Vernon died shortly before 1 a.m., authorities said. He was shot Friday afternoon after a man pulled a gun on an undercover NYPD officer during a probe into the sale of illegal firearms, officials said.

The 37-year-old gunman was struck three times in the torso while another bullet struck Kumi, police said. The gunman, whose identity was not immediately released, was taken to a hospital. Charges against him were pending.

In a statement released Saturday afternoon, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said he wanted to express "profound sorrow and sympathy" to Kumi's family.

FULL story at link.

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/2e2e73aa351d4b46ad299d2045907c4c/bystander-dies-after-being-shot-nypd-undercover-officer

[still_one]

1. This is similar to high speed chases, don't do them where innocent bystanders can be hurt

wait for a more opportune time

[former9thward]

4. Which would mean there would be no crime enforcement in public areas.

A cop has no idea when something might go south in an interaction.

[eggplant]

5. I call bullshit.

Unless there is a hostage situation, the police can follow suspects until civilians are out of the line of fire. There's no need for wild west shootouts.

Oh yeah, and cops should be able to do their fucking job without first pulling out their service pistol.

[former9thward]

6. I call bullshit right back at you.

So a cop should never make a traffic stop. That can go south south at any instant and there are always member of the public around.

[They_Live]

7. shit

[Marthe48]

2. Horrible irony

prayers for the family

[branford]

3. What a tragedy!

In sad irony, the officer was attempting to stop the trade in illegal guns, and his actions appear to be legitimate self-defense.

I expect Jeffrey Aristy and the unnamed gunman will be charged with felony murder, and no court will be sympathetic in sentencing.

My condolences to Mr. Kumi's family and friends.