NYPD: Gunman Just Released From Prison Killed After Shooting At Police Officers

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Police say an armed suspect has died after starting a shootout with officers in Brooklyn.

The NYPD said after the shooting the alleged gunman was a man who had just been released from a five-year prison sentence and was out on parole.

Sources tell CBS2 that man opened fire at police around 8 p.m. near Baltic and Hoyt Streets in Gowanus.

Plainclothes anti-crime officers were reportedly in the area in an unmarked car when they heard shots ring out and then saw the gunman firing at another man in the neighborhood.

The NYPD says the officers identified themselves and that's when the suspect turned his gun on them. None of those anti-crime officers were injured.

They returned fire, firing several shots, and wounding the attacker outside the Gowanus Houses.

The gunman has been taken to an area hospital, where he later died. Two NYPD officers have also been taken to local hospitals for evaluation but were not reportedly wounded in the gun battle.

Authorities are alerting the public to stay clear of the area as the investigation continues.

Shanduke McPhatter told CBS2's Valerie Castro he knows the man shot by police.

"Like I said I know him so I came out here once I heard what happened.

"He's a very good individual," the community activist claimed. "His family is part of community events, his mother is a leader in the community and stopping violence."

Despite that description, the NYPD says the suspect has a long criminal history with multiple felony arrests.

The person the gunman was originally shooting at has not been found.

Stay with CBS New York for the latest on this developing story

In:
• Brooklyn
• Shooting
• New York City Police Department
• Crime
• New York