Brooklyn Building Superintendent Dies After Being Attacked with Cell Phone While Attempting to Detain Suspect for Police, According to Witnesses

A tragic incident unfolded in a Brooklyn apartment building, leading to the death of a building superintendent following an altercation with a tenant. The 41-year-old superintendent, Burim Havolli, suffered a fatal heart attack after he attempted to detain a 31-year-old man who had blocked the entrance to the building with an electric scooter and allegedly threatened him. Eyewitnesses reported that the confrontation escalated when Havolli, who was accompanied by his wife and their two-year-old son, attempted to resolve the situation peacefully.

The altercation occurred on Ocean Avenue near Glenwood Road in the Flatbush neighborhood. According to witnesses, the suspect, who had entered the building, was refusing to move his scooter, which had impeded Havolli’s family from entering. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the man made several threats while insisting that he was in the lobby to visit a family member. This confrontation was reportedly exacerbated by growing concerns among tenants regarding package thefts that had plagued the building in recent months.

As the situation escalated, Havolli attempted to hold the assailant for police intervention after calling 911. Despite initially maintaining a calm demeanor, both the verbal exchange and physical altercation intensified. During the struggle, the suspect allegedly struck Havolli multiple times with a cellphone before fleeing the scene. A sanitation worker reportedly assisted in subduing the suspect until law enforcement arrived.

Following the altercation, Havolli refused medical assistance at the scene. However, later that evening, he collapsed in the shower and subsequently died at Kings County Hospital. Authorities are currently awaiting autopsy results to determine whether the confrontation contributed to his death. The man involved in the altercation remains in police custody, with charges pending as investigators continue to assess the circumstances surrounding Havolli’s death.

Havolli, an immigrant from Kosovo, was well-regarded by tenants for his dedication and willingness to help those in need. His brother shared poignant recollections of their family’s escape from war-torn Kosovo, highlighting Havolli’s commitment to assisting others upon their arrival in the United States. Many residents expressed their grief over the loss of a man they described as compassionate and community-oriented, emphasizing the preventive actions he took to maintain safety within the building.

As the investigation continues, local authorities will examine the wider implications of this incident on community safety and tenant relations. Tenants reported that they had contacted emergency services numerous times regarding troublesome incidents in the building, underscoring growing concerns regarding security.