Bystander Shot in the Head by N.Y.C. Police Chasing Alleged Subway Fare Evader Needed Cranial Surgery, Family Says

Mar. 15, 2025

Brooklyn, New York shooting — September 2024.Photo:Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto via AP

Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto via AP

On Sunday, Sept. 15, shots rang out in Brooklyn at the Sutter Avenue subway station while NYPD officers pursued a knife-wielding man accused of not paying his $2.90 fare, according toPix 11, theNew York TimesandCBS New York.

Delpeche was hospitalized at Kings County Hospital and suffered brain damage, sources told PIX11. The injured police officer and woman were released from the hospital.

Brooklyn, New York shooting — September 2024.Spencer Platt/Getty

Spencer Platt/Getty

Delpeche had reportedly been on his way to work at Woodhull Hospital at the time of the incident.

Delpeche’s cousin, Greg Nougues, told theAssociated Presson Tuesday, Sept. 17, Delpeche needed cranial surgery to reduce swelling from the bullet wound. “Right now he’s breathing through a tube,” Nougues said, adding that the family is in a “waiting game.” He also told the AP that the family is looking for a lawyer.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, Nougues, told CBS New York he believed the NYPD acted recklessly.

“I saw that it was him. I broke down,” Nougues said. “He keeps to himself. Quiet, and he was hardworking. Been with Woodhull Hospital for 20 years. So he was on his way to work. There’s no reason why he should not make it to work. I believe that the NYPD was reckless.”

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Leighton Lee, who is friends with Delpeche, told theTimeshe received a call from a police officer on the day of the shooting. Lee says he was asked a series of strange questions from the caller as part of “an ongoing investigation.”

“I knew that was him, and my heart dropped,” he told theTimesin a phone interview on Tuesday, Sept. 17. “He was the one that got shot in the head.”

Police and protesters outside of a Brownsville Brooklyn subway station on Sept. 17, 2024.Spencer Platt/Getty

Lee also shared his disapproval for the NYPD’s actions, adding, “It was very reckless of them to be shooting in a crowded train station,” when “they knew a stray bullet could hit someone. It happened to be my childhood friend of 30 or 40 years.”

At least 18 people were arrested during a protest outside the subway station on Tuesday, reportsGothamist.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams defended the officers' actions.

“Our hearts bleed when an innocent person is a victim of something like this, but police officers must be trained to make the right decision. When I looked at the video, I saw discipline. I saw a desire to de-escalate the situation,” Adams said on Wednesday.

Interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon called the situation “a tragedy,” but placed blame on the suspect.

Mickles, who is in critical condition at Kings County Hospital, faces charges of first-degree attempted assault, theft of services, menacing and criminal possession of a weapon, police said, per theTimes.

source: people.com