NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — A retired NYPD officer was accidentally shot and killed in Brooklyn during a confrontation outside a pizza shop while helping out a friend.
The 57-year-old former officer and his friend, a 53-year-old retired correction officer, spotted a 33-year-old man, who was apparently intoxicated and harassing an 86-year-old man at Korner Pizza on Church Avenue and Third Street in Kensington around 7:18 p.m. Monday.
The two retired officers intervened, confronting the 33-year-old man.
A physical fight ensued, which spilled out onto the sidewalk.
"During the course of the struggle, which moved down the block, the 53-year-old male pulled out his firearm and one round, we believe, was discharged, striking both victims," NYPD Deputy Chief Joseph Gulotta said.
The bullet hit the 33-year-old man in the arm and also struck the retired NYPD officer in the chest.
The officer was rushed to Maimonides Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. His name has not been released.
People in the neighborhood say the retired officer was a great guy who was always looking to help people. He would even go out to hand out umbrellas in a rain storm.
"He was very friendly, he was jovial, he would offer you something to eat," one woman said.
"He was taking care of other people. Sad. He was one of the best guys I ever knew," one man said.
The 33-year-old man is also hospitalized in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing.
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