L.I. Suspect's Father Says Death Of Son & Officer Breitkopf Was Preventable
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The police command post was removed Tuesday from the Massapequa Park home where two fatal shootings took place over the weekend.
Officer Geoffrey Breitkopf, 40, was killed after responding to a call for backup as police confronted 21-year-old Anthony Digeronimo.
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Digeronimo allegedly had knives strapped to his body and in his hands. Police said he barricaded himself inside a bedroom before charging police with a knife.
WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs with the latest on who may have shouted out 'gun'
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On Tuesday, David Digeronimo, the suspect's father, spoke to CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan and said his son's death was preventable.
When asked if a taser should have been used instead of deadly force, the suspect's father replied "anything except killing the little boy in front of me" would have been better.
The elder Digeronimo said he had asked police "to put the guns away" and not to hurt his son. He said his family was also saddened about the shooting of Officer Breitkopf.
The chaos of the final moments was also caught on tape:
Officer 1: "The person has knives hanging from his clothing. He's walking east on Front Street."
Officer 2: "The subject just went into residence."
Officer 3: "Be advised. The subject with a knife and threatening other witnesses."
Special Operations Officer: "Shots fired. Forthwith on a bus."
Dispatcher: "10-4 we're getting an ambulance."
(Four minutes after the shooting of Digeronimo)
Special Operations Officer: "17 to headquaters. MOS (member of the service) shot in the face!"
Special Operations Officer: "Make sure that they have cars lined up, ready to go to the hospital!"
2nd Special Operations Officer: "Headquarters, do you understand that?"
Nassau County's police union said the shooting of Breitkopf may have been instigated by a retired NYPD officer.
Neighbors, including Theresa Kelly who called 911, said she remembers the man who shouted "he's got a gun" when Breitkopf and other special operations officers arrived at the scene.
Kelly said the man was "shouting things, running around, ordering people around."
Ted Tucciarone also witnessed the chaotic scene and wondered if protocol was breached.
He said he never heard an order for Breitkopf to drop his gun or Digeronimo to drop his knife.
The MTA police and Nassau County Police said a full scale investigation would continue.
Also following the tragic death of Police Officer Breitkopf, the Nassau County PBA has established a trust fund for his 2 children ages 6 and 3.
Donations can be made to:
The Geoffrey J Breitkopf Memorial Fund
c/o Nassau County PBA
89 East Jericho Tpke. Mineola, NY 11501
