A gun-wielding suspect was shot and killed by members of a joint NYPD and federal task force after a “violent struggle” inside a Manhattan optical store on Tuesday, police said.
The suspect, identified by sources as Devon Allen, 25, was shot at least three times around 2:45 p.m. after firing a gun inside the Maximize Optical store in Chelsea, NYPD Officer Joseph said.・Detective Chief Kenney stated at a press conference.
Kenney said Allen was wanted on suspicion of assault earlier this month and was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Kenney said NYPD lieutenants, NYPD detectives and Homeland Security agents were searching the area and found the suspect standing outside the store.
“The man then fled into a commercial facility in front of him. While inside the store, task force members attempted to arrest him and a violent struggle ensued,” Kenney said.
“The man produced a gun and members of the task force fired their weapons several times, striking the man.”
Kenney said one of the task force members suffered a cut to the head during the encounter and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Police said a .40-caliber Bertha gun, which the suspect reportedly had in his possession, was recovered at the scene.
Authorities were searching for Allen after he allegedly hit a deli employee with a jelly bottle during a fight on April 7, law enforcement officials said.
Records show he served time in upstate New York for attempted murder from 2018 to 2020.
“He is familiar with law enforcement in the area,” Kenney said, adding that police will investigate whether the suspect is a gang member.
A call to Maximize Optical, where the shooting occurred, went to voicemail Tuesday evening.
