Suspect, reportedly unarmed, shot dead by NYPD officer in Bronx

March 2, 2000
Web posted at: 7:40 a.m. EST (1240 GMT)

NEW YORK (CNN) -- An African-American suspect, reportedly unarmed, was shot and killed Wednesday in the Bronx after a brief struggle with a Hispanic police officer.

The shooting happened just two blocks from where unarmed West African immigrant Amadou Diallo was gunned down in February 1999 in a hail of gunfire.

Police said only one shot was fired at the victim in Wednesday's incident. Police said the weapon had blood on it, indicating it discharged at close proximity to the victim.

The officer involved in the shooting was taking part in a non-specified operation with several other plain-clothed officers in the Soundview section of the Bronx at the time of the shooting, police said.

Police described the victim as a 23-year-old with an extensive criminal history. Officers on the scene said he was carrying a small quantity of a controlled substance, believed to be heroin, and that he had been on probation since April on drug-selling charges.

Police urged calm in the community -- still the site of high tension in the wake of last week's acquittal of the four police officers involved in the Diallo shooting -- and said to wait to cast judgment until more facts are known.

Diallo jurors say prosecutors made 'huge mistakes'
February 28, 2000
Protests continue day after Diallo verdicts
February 26, 2000
Jurors reach decision in Diallo case
February 25, 2000

New York City Police Department

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