Home / Crime and Justice / Queens Mental Health Call Ends in Officer-Involved Shooting
Queens Mental Health Call Ends in Officer-Involved Shooting
4 Feb
Summary
- 911 audio released detailing a mental health crisis response.
- Family states they requested an ambulance, not police intervention.
- Mayor proposes community safety department for mental health crises.
Newly released 911 audio offers insight into an incident where a mental health call in Queens resulted in an officer-involved shooting. The audio captures a caller requesting an ambulance and involuntary transport for Jabez Chakraborty, 22, who was reportedly experiencing a mental health episode and throwing glass.
The family clarified they had sought medical aid for their son's distress, not police involvement. However, responding officers encountered Chakraborty, who authorities say was holding a knife. Body camera footage appears to show the officer firing after issuing commands to drop the weapon.
Mayor Eric Adams visited Chakraborty, who has a history of schizophrenia, and voiced concerns about the protocols that led to the shooting. He reiterated his proposal for a Department of Community Safety, aiming to dispatch social workers to mental health crises.
This initiative, intended to provide prevention and sustained care, faces controversy, with some critics arguing that police intervention might still be necessary in rapidly escalating situations. The mayor plans to further address the matter.
