Saturday, January 14, 2012

Police Kill Alleged Robbery Victim's Half-Brother During East New York Altercation



An East New York man was fatally shot by police Thursday night after he emerged from his home brandishing a revolver in response to an apparent armed robbery, and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Friday that officers opened fire only after he didn't respond to their directions. NY1's Tetiana Anderson filed the following report.

When Duane Browne's half-brother emerged from this East New York home Thursday night, he lived to tell about. Moments later, when Browne followed him out holding an unregistered 38-caliber revolver, he was shot by police waiting outside.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly offered an explanation during a press conference Friday.

"He failed to comply with officers directions not to move and was shot once in the chest," said Kelly.

What still is not clear is whether or not Browne pointed the gun at police.

The deadly shooting started with a 911 call after investigators say Browne's half-brother was grabbed by two armed men as he pulled up to his brick house. The home was shared by the two men and their mother.

"The two assailants forced him into the basement apartment and repeatedly demanded 'Where's the money?'" said Kelly.

Browne's girlfriend, Renita Ferdinand, said they were upstairs at the time.

"We heard rumbling, and he went downstairs," said Ferdinand.

He brought out a gun, apparently to defend his brother.

Police say after they arrived, the armed men escaped through the front door.

The brother exited out the back, where police were waiting, with his hands up, telling officers "I'm okay.'' Browne followed moments later brandishing his gun.

"He was my son. He was the best kid in the world, and I say he's the smartest," said Alicia Browne, the man's mother.

The armed men are still on the loose. Police found marijuana in the home, and it appeared to be for sale.

Browne's family is left dealing with a tremendous loss. He would have been 27 next month.

Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.


By ny1 news

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