New York City police reportedly shot and killed a man who strangled his mother, apparently using her as a human shield, according to body camera video recently released on December 23, 2023.
New York City Police Department (NYPD) Officers Alex Morges and Mohammad Hossein said they were at a residence in New York City at approximately 11:22 a.m. when a man appeared to be under the influence of drugs, possibly engaged in violent acts, and had a knife in his hand. responded to a 911 call about a man in possession of the vehicle.According to the Bronx video The NYPD announced Friday. Screams can be heard coming from inside the apartment as officers knock on the door and order residents to open it, according to the video.
One of the residents ran out of the apartment howling. The officers continued to break in, according to the video.
The suspect, Michael Dotel, 30, reportedly yelled, “Do it now!” Try it, I dare you! Do it! I'm sure she'll understand! ” He allegedly put the woman in a chokehold, according to the video.
“Do you have a knife in your hand?” Officer Morghese asked, according to the video.
“Shoot me! Shoot me! Now!” Dotel yelled.
“Do you have a knife?” Officer Morgese asked again.
“Do it! Do it! Do it!” Dotel replied emphatically.
“Where's the knife? Drop the knife!” asked Officer Morgese.
“I got a knife!” Dotel said.
“Throw away the knife! Where is it?”
“Okay!” Dotel replied.
Officer Morghese then allegedly fired his weapon once, hitting Dotel, who was later pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Medical Center. according to to the New York Post.
The paper added that Dotel's two alleged victims were treated for their injuries. (Related article: “Unsettling person'': Police shoot dead man who tried to slit stepmother's throat)
The woman who was strangling Dotel has been identified as his 45-year-old mother, Norwood News report.The woman who jumped out barking has been identified as Dotel's 19-year-old girlfriend, ABC7 New York report. Dotel is said to have been in possession of a large carving knife. NYPD Sergeant John Chell told the Norwood News that his girlfriend was allegedly slashed in the face and his mother bled from her throat while in a front headlock. report.
Dotel, known as the Hulk because of his size and strength, has three pending criminal cases, including a drug case, and a history of mental illness, according to the New York Post. .
According to ABC7 New York, the Bedford Greenhouse, which provides supportive housing for people with mental illness and substance abuse issues, has seen several disturbing incidents in the past. Neighbors said one resident brandished a knife on the property, and another reportedly tried twice to set the apartment on fire.
Chell said the NYPD saved Dotel's mother's life, according to the Norwood News. But when asked if the NYPD handled domestic violence cases correctly, Dotel's mother said, “No.” She said Dotel had reportedly asked for help two weeks before the incident because he was “very depressed,” but…[t]Man, they didn't help me… They didn't do anything for me at St. Barnabas Hospital,'' she told the Norwood News.
An investigation has been launched to determine, among other things, “whether the use of force applied in this incident was justified and within the legal limits.” [NYPD] guidelines,” NYPD Deputy Commissioner Carlos Nieves said in the video.
