A senior police officer in New York City, Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Gurley, recently addressed the public following a troubling incident where a gun discharged during a fight in Rockland County. He urged people to avoid jumping to conclusions.
In a statement provided by his attorney, Gurley explained that the May 24 altercation in Haverstraw began after an unidentified man persistently harassed his daughter. The Deputy Commissioner called for patience while the investigation unfolds.
“Chief Gurley is shaken by this episode in which his daughter was repeatedly targeted by an adult who once attended school with her,” attorney Oliver Storch said in an email.
The Gurley family has lodged two complaints with the Haverstraw Police regarding the disturbing behavior of the individual involved. Storch emphasized that this was a sensible response, especially in light of the rising concerns about school violence and intimidation.
Having served the department for 26 years, Gurley confirmed his complete cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.
“Speculation about the details of the attack on Chief Gurley and the circumstances involving the weapon will be properly addressed later in the investigation,” Storch noted. “We kindly ask the public to hold off on forming judgments until all facts are presented.”
On the evening of May 24, around 7:45 p.m., Haverstraw police responded to reports of a fight in the parking lot of a local ShopRite. Upon arrival, they found Gurley engaged in a struggle with another man.
Both individuals were treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. Authorities indicated that Gurley’s “legally owned” firearm was fired when it was removed from a waistband, although it wasn’t specified who attempted to take the gun.
Fortunately, the stray bullet did not strike anyone.
Police clarified that Gurley’s daughter and the man involved were only “acquaintances” and had never had a domestic relationship.
Storch argued that this incident underscores the urgent need for the state Legislature to enact the Repetitive and Extremely Predatory Activities Act (CREEP Act), aimed at enhancing penalties for anti-stalking and harassment offenses.
Officials noted that Gurley, who was overseeing the newly formed Bronx North Police District, has been reassigned during the independent investigations by NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau and Bureau of Investigation.
Gurley, originally from the Bronx, is also a father of three.
