NYPD body camera footage reveals officer fatally shooting man armed with a gun in Brooklyn.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has released body-camera footage related to a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on October 5, 2025, in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. The incident involved Lieutenant Richard Custodio, who discharged his weapon once at 28-year-old Royston Bacchus, following a series of warnings for Bacchus to drop a firearm he allegedly brandished.
The events unfolded around 9:06 a.m. when Lt. Custodio and five other officers responded to a 911 call reporting a violation of an order of protection and harassment at a residential building located on East 86th Street near Avenue B. The caller provided the police with a detailed description of the suspect, later identified as Bacchus, including his physical attributes and clothing.
Upon their arrival, officers observed Bacchus exiting the building with his hands concealed in the pockets of his hoodie, prompting them to pursue him down East 86th Street toward Coventry Road as he continued walking away from them.
The bodycam footage reveals a tense standoff as Bacchus faced the officers in the middle of the street. Lt. Custodio repeatedly commanded him to “drop it,” issuing the warning ten times, while other officers also shouted similar instructions, escalating the urgency of the situation. As Lt. Custodio closed in, Bacchus appeared to back away, still clutching a firearm in his left hand. In a critical moment, he raised the gun towards Custodio, which led the lieutenant to fire a single shot, hitting Bacchus in the chest. He subsequently fell to the ground, where he remained in visible distress.
After the shooting, officers handcuffed Bacchus and administered CPR before he was transported to Kings County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The NYPD later confirmed that a loaded firearm was recovered from the scene, reinforcing the situation’s complexity and the dangerous circumstances faced by law enforcement.
The incident has sparked community concern and discussions regarding police procedures. Family members, including Bacchus’s father, expressed their sorrow and confusion over the shooting, vowing to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding their son’s death. Witnesses reported hearing commands from officers and described the distressing aftermath, highlighting the emotional toll of such events.
As investigations continue, community leaders and civic organizations are likely to advocate for a thorough examination of police conduct in high-stress encounters, seeking to ensure accountability while addressing community safety concerns. The NYPD’s incident has reignited discussions about the use of force and the protocols that govern interactions between law enforcement and individuals suspected of criminal activity. For updates on this developing story and similar incidents, follow subsequent reports from reliable news sources.
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