Police Shoot and Kill Suspect in Brooklyn Apartment
In a tragic turn of events, the NYPD shot and killed a man inside a Brooklyn apartment on Friday evening. The man, identified as 38-year-old Vilmond Jean Baptiste, was sought in connection with three recent homicides. The incident occurred at 485 East 21st St. in Flatbush, marking the 12th fatal NYPD shooting this year.
According to officials, members of the NYPD’s fugitive enforcement unit arrived at the apartment with an open-bench warrant for Baptiste. Upon entering the apartment, they discovered Baptiste fully dressed in a hoodie in a bathtub. Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey stated that officers instructed Baptiste to exit the bathtub when they noticed he was holding a knife. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Baptiste did not comply.
Use of Force by NYPD Officers
Chief Maddrey explained that a sergeant at the scene attempted to deploy a Taser to immobilize Baptiste, but the effort was unsuccessful. Subsequently, Baptiste reportedly jumped out of the tub and advanced towards the officers. In response, at least three police officers fired their guns, although the exact number of shots fired remains unclear.
Following the shooting, police arrested Baptiste in accordance with NYPD protocol. He was then transported to a hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Baptiste had a prior arrest in 2015 for reckless endangerment and an active bench warrant from 2022. Additionally, he was identified as a person of interest in two incidents over the summer that resulted in three homicides.
Background of Vilmond Jean Baptiste
According to NYPD officials, Baptiste had a romantic relationship with at least one of the female victims involved in the recent homicides. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed that Baptiste had a pattern of dating older women who would allow him to stay in their homes to use narcotics. The first incident occurred in July, where a 54-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man were fatally stabbed. In August, a 66-year-old woman was also stabbed to death.
Officials released a photo of the knife seized during the confrontation with Baptiste. The investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities work to gather more details surrounding the events leading up to the fatal shooting.
Change in NYPD Leadership
The news of this fatal shooting comes shortly after Mayor Eric Adams appointed Tom Donlon as the NYPD’s interim commissioner. This decision followed the resignation of Commissioner Edward Caban, who stepped down amid an investigation into his twin brother’s nightlife consulting business. Caban, a veteran of over 30 years in the department, served as commissioner for just over a year before his resignation.
The transition in leadership raises questions about the future direction of the NYPD and how the department will address incidents of police use of force. As the investigation into Vilmond Jean Baptiste’s death continues, the community and law enforcement officials alike will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding this case.
