NYPD officer stabbed, suspect shot in Coney Island confrontation

NEW YORK --  An NYPD officer was discharged from the hospital Thursday afternoon after being slashed in Brooklyn.

Police fired at the suspect, who is now in custody, CBS2's Ali Bauman reported.

A 16-inch knife was marked as evidence on West 8th Street, steps away from both the Coney Island boardwalk and the 60th Police Precinct.

It was one of two blades police say a man armed himself with while blocking traffic just before 1 p.m. A passing cop saw and walked over.

"The man lurched toward the officer with one of the knives raised. Acting quickly, the officer tactically repositioned, putting distance between himself and the armed man," NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said.

Witnesses flagged down additional officers from the precinct.

"One officer gave numerous clear orders to the man to drop the knives. Failing to drop the knives and as the subject continued to charge at the officers, one officer fired four times, striking the man in the leg and shoulder," Sewell said.

"I was watching TV and I heard about four gunshots," witness Amen Boyd said. "I got pretty scared, myself."

Police said the suspect fell to the ground, but continued clutching his knives.

"He's not letting go of it and the officers struggle for a prolonged time to remove that long-bladed knife from him," NYPD Deputy Chief Joseph Gullotta said.

During the struggle, one officer was sliced on his hand. He and the suspect were taken to Coney Island University Hospital.

Just a few hours later, Officer John Favale walked out of the hospital with his hand bandaged. He was greeted with applause from dozens of cops and Mayor Eric Adams.

"The dad served with me, a former inspector commander. We were captains together. This is a New York family a New York story," Adams said.

Favale, 29, is a six-year veteran of the NYPD. CBS2 has learned he is the officer who fired a weapon. The police commissioner claims body-cam video shows the officers acted by the book.

"I have watched these videos. While we don't yet know the motive behind this attack, we know the actions of these officers exemplifies what it means to be New York's Finest ," Sewell said.

The suspect is in stable condition at the hospital, where he is in police custody. Sources told CBS2 he has no criminal record.

Charges of assaulting an officer and weapons possession are pending.