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The “dangerous criminal” who was shot by NYPD cops after he opened a fireplace – placing a Bronx officer – died early Wednesday, authorities confirmed.
Rameek Smith, 25, died at St. Barnabas Hospital round 3:30 a.m., cops stated.
The shootout unfolded after Officer Dennis Vargas, who works for the Bronx Borough public security workforce, and his accomplice noticed the suspect strolling close to third Avenue and Claremont Parkway at round 10:45 p.m., in keeping with Chief of Detectives James Essig.
After Vargas, 32, and his accomplice, who had been in uniform, exited their unmarked automotive, Smith fled on foot, officers stated.
The two cops gave chase and after a block-and-a-half pursuit, Smith rotated on Bathgate Avenue and allegedly fired two pictures on the cops, placing Vargas. The officers returned fireplace, hitting Smith in the head, police, and sources stated.
Sources stated Smith was initially stopped as a result it appeared he was carrying a weapon.
Vargas – an eight yr veteran, whose father-in-law can also be a cop — was taken to Lincoln Medical Center in the steady situation and launched hours later.
“We’re extremely fortunate this morning that our officer is recovering after being shot by a dangerous criminal who shouldn’t have been on the streets of the Bronx or anywhere else,” NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell tweeted. “NYPD officers are here for New Yorkers day and night — risking their lives without hesitation.”
Smith’s final recognized deal with is a homeless shelter on Castleton Avenue in Staten Island, however, he has a household that lives close by within the Bronx, Essig stated.
Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell referred to as Smith “a dangerous criminal who should not have been on the streets of the Bronx or anywhere else.”
He was final arrested in March 2020 at a Coney Island subway station. He was allegedly discovered with a gun after being stopped for fare evasion and charged with legal possession of a weapon, officers and sources stated.
He was additionally convicted of theft in 2016 and given 5 years probation, officers stated.
Smith pleaded responsible final December within the gun case and was launched till his sentencing, which has been delayed twice. He is due again in court docket in June, officers stated.
Mayor Eric Adams referred to as Smith’s case a chief instance of why he’s pushing for reforms.
“People want to ask, Why am I cracking down on fare evasions? That’s why. People want to ask why we conducted 300,000 station inspections. That’s why.”
“People want to ask, why are we pushing for reform?” Hizzoner continued. “That’s why. This is what we are up against.”
