Armed Suspect Arrested After Queens Explosion and Shooting
A suspect wearing tactical gear emerged from a Queens home shortly after an explosion on Saturday. This incident occurred as New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire and a man yelling threats. Keegan Thompson, 33, was shot by police and arrested after the explosion, according to NYPD Assistant Chief Christopher McIntosh. Two deceased family members were later found inside the home.
The police received the call around noon regarding a home on Ocean Crest Boulevard in Far Rockaway. The caller reportedly mentioned her husband was armed. Upon arrival, officers met a woman outside who had heard gunshots and saw a body on a bed before she exited and contacted 911. She also informed police that her husband possessed a shotgun.
“Two police officers shot, suspect ‘actively firing at police’ in Syracuse standoff,” a related incident was reported.
Family members and neighbors gathered near emergency responders at the scene in Far Rockaway. Officers set up a perimeter and called for the NYPD Emergency Service Unit (ESU), making several attempts to reach the suspect without success.
At approximately 12:15 p.m., as ESU officers prepared to enter, a significant explosion occurred inside the house. Moments later, the suspect emerged with a shotgun and tactical vest. Officers repeatedly instructed him to raise his hands and drop the weapon. When he did not comply, an officer discharged a weapon, injuring him.
Thompson was taken into custody, and officers provided medical assistance before he was transported to Jamaica Hospital, where he is in critical but stable condition.
“8 family members, including 6 children, found dead in Michigan fire,” highlights another tragic event.
Thompson has no documented criminal record or mental illness history with the NYPD. The victims inside the home remain unidentified as investigators work to determine the causes of death. As the fire spread, officers evacuated nearby residences for safety. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, and it is uncertain if explosives were involved, McIntosh added.
The NYPD stated the incident is under investigation, with the shooting captured on officers’ body cameras. The Force Investigation Division is reviewing the footage.
“The bravery of the officers today is commendable,” McIntosh stated. “They responded to a 911 call, faced uncertainty, and acted with courage.”
Brittany Miller is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and previously reported for the Independent. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2023.