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Two uniformed police officers from the New Rochelle Police Department stopped a black Dodge sedan shortly before 11 p.m. on Friday, June 5, for a traffic violation near the intersection of Potter Avenue and Pierce Street.
Once the vehicle stopped, one of the passengers exited the vehicle, taking off on foot, New Rochelle Police Capt. Cosmo Costa said.
Following a brief pursuit, one of the officers fired his taser, a struggle ensued, and the man, New Rochelle resident Kamal Flowers, displayed a handgun, pointing it at one of the officers while attempting to fire.
An officer took out his service weapon, shooting Flowers once. Flowers was treated at the scene and died on his way to the hospital.
In response, the New Rochelle Police Benevolent Association issued a lengthy statement defending the department and officers’ actions.
“No one in the New Rochelle PBA celebrates the loss of any life. Yet we are grateful for the extraordinary bravery demonstrated by our fellow officers who pursued a suspect armed with a deadly weapon in an exceptional effort to keep the streets of this community safe,” they said.
“The statement issued by the New Rochelle Police Department indicates that Mr. Flowers pointed an illegal handgun – which was recovered at the scene along with several rounds of ammunition - at our fellow officer and tried to kill him with it. We are supremely grateful that our brother survived this life-threatening encounter.”
The New Rochelle PBA noted that Flowers is a known felon and that his criminal background is relevant following his release from state prison in March for an armed carjacking in Mount Vernon.
“He was a felon in possession of an illegal weapon in contravention of his parole conditions as well as state and federal law,” they added. “If apprehended, he was facing a lengthy prison sentence.
“Our brother officer was indeed unaware of this fact when he attempted to apprehend Mr. Flowers: Mr. Flowers was not. His extensive criminal history explains why he was apparently willing to pay any price to escape apprehension, including the life of a police officer.”
Flowers’ death is under investigation by local police, the New York Attorney General, and Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. The PBA said that the fatal shooting should not raise unrest in New Rochelle amid nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd in Minnesota at the hands of police.
“This incident should not be the basis for acts of retaliation against any member of your police force; we ask all of our citizens ‘if you hear something, say something’ and notify (the police) if you become aware of any threats to any member of your police department.
“Despite the tragic outcome, we stand by the actions and efforts of our police officers,” the PBA said. “We believe our officers make every effort to determine the parameters of their authority and believe that, in this matter, they acted within the limitations of the law and pursuant to their lawful police authority.”
New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson issued a statement following the shooting, saying that "this tragic event, which would be traumatic and painful under any circumstances and no matter what the chain of events leading to the discharge of a weapon, comes at a moment of intense local and national focus on issues of police violence and systemic racism.
"All of us are called to work together, alongside community leaders and advocates, to pursue the broader cause of racial justice and peace in New Rochelle. That work has already begun and now it will be pursued with even greater urgency."
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