East Harlem Teen Shot After Fleeing and Firing on Police

The semi-automatic gun found in the snow near Matthew Melendez.

Around 3:15 a.m. Sunday morning, plainclothes officers from the Manhattan North anti-crime unit spotted Matthew Melendez, 18, adjusting his waistband in a manner that suggested he was packing a handgun. Witnesses tell the Daily News they yelled, "Police! Stop!" as they confronted Melendez, who allegedly ran from the corner of East 119th Street and Lexington Avenue, turning to fire at the officers near the corner of Third Avenue. Two sergeants and one officer fired back as they chased him, and Melendez was shot down on Third Avenue near 120th Street.

None of the cops were hit, and a source tells the Times the suspect fired three rounds, while the pursuing officers fired a total of 13 rounds. Melendez was hit three times in the upper torso and arm, and is listed in stable condition at Harlem Hospital. He's charged with attempted murder, criminal use of a firearm, criminal possession of a loaded firearm and reckless endangerment. The Times also reports that the NYPD’s Firearms Discharge Review Board will conduct an investigation to determine whether the shootout fell within the guidelines for the use of deadly physical force. (Last November, the NYPD released a report asserting that police shootings were at an all-time low, with 105 shooting incidents in 2009.)

Melendez reportedly has eight prior arrests, including robbery, marijuana possession and criminal mischief. At the hospital, his mother, Mildred Faverey, told the News her son had gone out with friends Saturday night after caring for his 8-month-old daughter. Asked about the charges against him, a tearful Faverey replied, "That's not like my son. He wouldn't do that. He's the greatest father to his daughter. He told me, 'Mommy, trust me, I didn't do what they said I did.' "

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By John Del Signore in News on January 31, 2011 9:45 AM

Comments [rss]

Stevennnn

In the streets at 3am is being such a great parent. Wonderful mom.

ADM

It's really amazing how even in the clearest cases of wrong-doing and criminal (and nearly homicidal) behavior, the mom or aunt or grandma is *always* there to provide a "My son is a good boy; he wouldn't do that!" quote. I guess that state of denial contributes to the kids going off the rails to begin with.

Johnny Toughguy

Yeah, it's almost like these people aren't capable of raising their kids to be productive members of society.

Shoot to kill next time officers.

FU Boy

Especially surprising with 8 priors. You'd think after 3 arrests the mother's start to think that, maybe, her son IS up to no good.

Or does a mother wait for the 10th arrest before questioning the "Mommy, trust me, I didn't do what they said I did." line.

And what 18 year old calls his mother "Mommy"?

just saying

Answer: a mama's boy who has been babied his entire life.

Guest

"determine whether the shootout fell within the guidelines for the use of deadly physical force"

is it really questionable that if you shoot at police they will return fire?

FU Boy

And his hunger burns
so he starts to roam the streets at night
and he learns how to steal
and he learns how to fight
In the ghetto

Then one night in desperation
a young man breaks away
He buys a gun, steals a car,
tries to run, but he don't get far
And his mama cries

As a crowd gathers 'round an angry young man
face down on the street with a gun in his hand
In the ghetto

Bernie_Geotz_Squirrel_Luv

He didn't do anything besides carrying a POS gun illegally that drew suspicion because it wasn't carried in a normal manner.
Next time get real gun belt and holster, get used to carrying it at home before taking the chance outside.
That's my free Bernie Geotz advice.

schmeep

"Mommy, trust me, I didn't do what they said I did; I'd NEVER run."

Rocknrope

Good work, officers!

BottomlessChips

But I thought guns were illegal? Why did this young man not obey the law of the land? I'm shocked. We need tougher laws, Mayor Bloomberg.

Seth Harkavy

is there a mother out there that doesn't think her son being in possession of an illegal gun is a good idea, especially if he should have been wearing when caring for his 8 month old daughter...

* <-- Tiny violin playing

Guest

I don't understand why they yelled "police, stop" , why didn't they wait to be closer to him? And what kind of training do cops go through? It always sounds like they just rain bullets instead of actually trying to aim. Thank goodness no innocent bystanders were hurt.

Guest

One reason is that these officers were in plain clothes.

edgie168

Yes, because real life is just like the movies and you can shoot guns out of people's hands without aiming, wings off of flies, etc.

Guest

I have a brother who has been in the military for 20 years and other family in law enforcement. They don't shoot like that. I think, like in any other profession, some are just better than others at it. I'll bet there are plenty of cops that could take a man down without getting trigger happy.