Family and supporters took theirs demands to the gates of the 52nd Precinct Friday to demand justice for 42-year-old Raul de la Cruz, who was shot by an NYPD officer six times.

“I feel really bad. This was total abuse on the NYPD’s part. We called the police and what they did was shoot him. There has to be another way to treat people with mental health issues,” said Sonia B, sister of De la Cruz through a translator.

The incident happened in March when the police were responding to a 911 call about an emotionally disturbed person with a knife, police say.

What You Need To Know

  • Family and supporters held a rally outside the 52nd Precinct to demand justice for Raul de la Cruz, who was shot six times by an officer of the precinct

  • The incident happened in March when the police were responding to a 911 call about an emotionally disturbed person with a knife

  • According to the police, when they arrived at the location, de la Cruz advanced towards officers with a knife despite instructions to drop the weapon. The officers discharged their firearms striking de la Cruz and leaving him in critical condition

  • A spokesperson told NY1 the investigation is ongoing by the Force Investigation Division

According to the police, when they arrived at the Bronx location, they were met by de la Cruz’s father, who described his son’s medical episode and warned the police that he would kill them if they showed up.

“The subject comes out, clearly becomes agitated when he sees the officers, drops a bag, produces a large kitchen knife, and starts advancing toward the officers. The officers give numerous instructions to drop the knife — at which he does not comply. They discharge their firearms, striking the subject,” said John Chell, chief of patrol with the NYPD, at a press conference.

Police say de la Cruz was then taken to the hospital in critical condition after being shot by an officer six times.

Two weeks later and his family said he’s still in the hospital and is now in stable condition.

“He’s in the doctor. He talked to me [on] the phone and he was like, 'Oh hi.' And I said, 'Just be calm. Just be like this with the head,'” said Juliana Fuentes, 9-year-old cousin of de la Cruz.

Fuentes and other family members challenge the version of events told by officers.

They say that de la Cruz’s father had called 311 for medical help, hoping to avoid escalation. But instead the call was rerouted to the 52nd Precinct — sending officers who did not speak Spanish.

Dare to Struggle, a political group, said they plan to keep protesting and organizing until there’s justice for de la Cruz.

A spokesperson told NY1 the investigation is ongoing by the Force Investigation Division.