An armed individual wearing tactical gear was apprehended by police after a fiery explosion rocked a Queens home on Saturday. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) responded swiftly to a 911 alert about gunfire and a man shouting threats. The suspect, identified as Keegan Thompson, 33, confronted officers and was shot before being taken into custody, according to NYPD Assistant Chief Christopher McIntosh.
Authorities found two deceased family members inside the residence. Officers were called to the scene shortly after noon to a house on Ocean Crest Boulevard in Far Rockaway. The call had been made by a woman reporting her husband was armed. Upon arrival, officers encountered a woman who had left the home after hearing gunshots and finding a body in a room. She reported her husband had possessed a shotgun.
Citing the incident, the NYPD emphasized their commitment to public safety. Recent similar standoffs highlight the dangerous nature of domestic disturbances.
As first responders arrived, a perimeter was set up while attempts to contact Thompson were made. At approximately 12:15 p.m., an explosion occurred within the house. Shortly after, Thompson emerged armed with a shotgun and wearing a tactical vest. Officers instructed Thompson multiple times to drop the weapon. He did not comply, leading an officer to fire and disable him. Thompson is now in Jamaica Hospital, in critical but stable condition.
Thompson was found with no prior criminal or noted mental health issues. The victims within the house remain unidentified as investigators work to determine cause of death. Neighbors were evacuated as flames consumed the house. The cause of the explosion is still under examination. The possibility of explosives being the trigger was raised, yet the investigation is ongoing.
The event was recorded on officers’ body cameras and is being reviewed by the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division. McIntosh praised the officers’ bravery, stating, “Their immediate response to the danger demonstrated a heroic commitment to public safety.”