Subway Panhandler Shot After Stabbing Cop

Yesterday afternoon, police officers shot and wounded a subway panhandler after he stabbed a cop with a screwdriver. Apparently the panhandler first went to the undercover cops and asked for one a cigarette. The Post reports, "The 26-year-old officer [Tyrone Barrionuevo] flashed his badge and identified himself. Moments later, the crazed smoker pulled out the 6-inch screwdriver and tried to plunge it into the cop's chest near his shoulder." The incident occurred at the Utica Avenue subway station in Crown Heights.

The attacked cop's partner tried to subdue the panhandler, identified as Stephen McKenzie. According to the Daily News, the partner, Alfonso Villacres, "whack[ed] the 6-foot, 240-pound McKenzie with a baton," but then "McKenzie then turned on Villacres, wrestling him to the platform and trying to grab his gun." Villacres' gun went off twice in the struggle. Then Barrionuevo was able to fire at McKenzie, hitting him three times in the chest and leg; a teen bystander was also grazed by a bullet as well.

McKenzie's family said he is schizophrenic; his sister told the News, "When he takes his medication he's fine." He is in serious condition at Kings County Hospital. Barrionuevo was treated for his injuries—his bulletproof vest prevented the screwdriver from going too far—while Villacres suffered minor injuries. The incident also caused numerous subway issues during the afternoon commute.

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By Jen Chung in News on May 1, 2009 9:36 AM

Comments [rss]

MrCow

don't you have to be pretty strong to get a screwdriver through the chest?

and why was a bystander hit?! seriously. learn to aim, nypd.

r1b2

C'mon, the bystander was grazed. He'll sue the City and walk away with millions.

rcltrh

What's the matter with NYPD officers nowdays. It's between the eyes. Can't they hit on target at this close range? Geez. They need to send them all back to the firing range for practice.

Felix Hoenikker

3 rounds in the chest and he's alive. Is he the freakin' Terminator?

.50 cal anyone?

KING

He can't be alive after getting pumped in the chest.

you can't be up set- this is the typical End for people like this.

JacqueMehoff

I remember going to the pysch ward, the residents wants their smokes.

NannyState

Before Bloomberg, you could always find a place to enjoy a screwdriver and a cigarette.

hotstepper

seconded.

Wza

got my vote.

KiljoyWasHere

WIN.

Think2wice

And yet bleeding-hearts insist on painting bums as these sweet-souled, ne're-do-well, misfit-heroes of street cred.

imadick

what the hell does "ne're-do-well, misfit-heroes of street cred" mean?

valeriob

I try to be courteous to panhandlers but sometimes the best thing to do is ignore them or shoot them a brief acknowledging glance and move on with your day.

NYDirk

I try to be courteous to panhandlers but sometimes the best thing to do is ignore them or shoot them...

jza1218

This is why these schizos need to be culled from the herd. It's not like they provide any societal benefits.

ab_bklyn

With all due respect, f_ck you. My brother is schizophrenic. Do you have any idea how hard it is watching a family member struggle with mental illness?

jza1218

Im sure your brother is quite the productive member of society

ab_bklyn

Really? So by your measure, we should exterminate mentally retarded people, single mothers on welfare, and those who are too sick to work. Since we're advocating genocide here, who else do you think we should "off"? What are you, a f_cking Neo-Nazi?

And FYI, my brother is an amazingly accomplished artist who showed at the Outsider Art Fair here in NY in January. He didn't ask to be born with a mental illness.

streber

Can we shoot the guy who most evenings hangs out on the downtown 96th street 1/2/3 platform and shits his pants?

hotstepper

"crazed smoker" ha! way to link cigarettes with the stabbing of a police officer. i suppose a nic-fit is the root of this random violence. you stay classy post!

Guest

Have you ever seen someone who normally smokes like a chimney not get their fix? It's not pretty. Their mood can go from ecstasy to agony in a matter of seconds.