Pregnant Port Authority officer aids Queens teenager injured in stabbing incident involving relative.
A tragic incident unfolded in Queens, New York, on Thursday, as a 17-year-old boy was repeatedly stabbed by his mother’s son-in-law, who had also fatally attacked the boy’s mother before setting their home ablaze. The swift response of an off-duty Port Authority police officer, who heard cries for help, played a crucial role in saving the teenager’s life.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Smart Street, where the boy and his mother, 50-year-old Qiujin Shi, were viciously assaulted by the boy’s 27-year-old brother-in-law. As the chaotic events transpired, screams for assistance came from Shi’s adult daughter, who was outside during the attack. Witnessing the horrific scene, an off-duty police officer, who is four months pregnant, rushed to intervene.
Upon her arrival, the officer discovered the teen bleeding profusely in the street, having sustained multiple stab wounds, including deep gashes above his left eye and a stab wound to his armpit. The officer immediately began administering first aid to control the bleeding until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived. She guided the injured boy to an awaiting ambulance as law enforcement and firefighters attended to the situation.
After committing the violent acts, the assailant reportedly ignited a mattress in the back bedroom of the family home and inflicted a self-inflicted injury on his own wrist. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames and discovered both Shi and her assailant inside the residence. The victims were transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Queens, where Shi succumbed to her injuries, while the 17-year-old and the attacker were reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect remained in police custody at the hospital as authorities began their investigation. No charges had been levied against him as of Friday morning. It has been reported that the son-in-law and Shi’s daughter were embroiled in a divorce, a factor that may have contributed to the explosive circumstances leading to the violence.
Residents of the typically quiet neighborhood expressed shock at the chaos that unfolded on their street. Witnesses recounted hearing desperate screams and frantic calls for an ambulance, painting a harrowing picture of the events.
The Port Authority officer, who has served for two years following a four-year tenure with the NYPD, has been praised for her heroic intervention. Frank Conti, president of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, commended her bravery and quick thinking amidst an unpredictable and dangerous situation.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the profound impacts domestic strife can have within families and communities. Authorities continue to investigate the details surrounding this incident, seeking to provide clarity and justice in a time of great loss.