Two NYPD officers were wounded during a shooting in Brooklyn on Tuesday, officials said.

The officers were responding to a domestic violence call at Bergen Street and Saratoga Avenue Tuesday afternoon when the incident happened, police said.


What You Need To Know

  • Police said officers responded to a mother being assaulted by her son in Brooklyn Tuesday afternoon

  • According to police, the son resisted arrest and grabbed one of the officers’ guns, shooting both of them — one officer in the hand and the second officer in the thigh

  • In an exchange of gunfire, Butler was shot multiple times, the NYPD said. His injuries are considered serious, but he's expected to survive

Police said a mother was being assaulted by Melvin Butler, who is her son. 

“This call for assistance was for an assault in progress. This call was made by the female occupant of that apartment,” Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said.

According to police, Butler resisted arrest and grabbed one of the officers’ guns, shooting both of them — one officer in the hand and the second officer in the thigh.

“From what I viewed, it’s immediately as they’re struggling, it’s as they’re going to the ground. Then you hear an officer say, ‘He has my gun.’ And then shots are fired,” Kenny said.

Police said in an exchange of gunfire, Butler was shot multiple times. His injuries are considered serious, but he’s expected to survive.

While NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban called the response to a domestic violence call a routine patrol call, he added there really is no such thing as “routine.”

“Our officers are lucky to be alive,” Caban said. Caban spoke at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County as the police officers recovered inside after being shot.

Officials said Butler has a history of domestic violence charges, and has spent time in prison for attempted murder.

“The enforcement investigation unit is still monitoring the body-worn camera. They’re looking at every angle,” Kenny said.

As the investigation continues, authorities remembered officers Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera — the two officers shot and killed two years ago while responding to a domestic violence incident.

Now, the community is thankful these officers will be able to go home and see their families.