According to police sources, 33-year-old Kegan Thomas has been charged with attempted murder, five counts of murder, arson, and criminal possession of a weapon. He was also slapped with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals after a dog and a cat perished due to smoke inhalation in the fire he allegedly set.
Thomas is still recovering in the hospital after being shot some five times by police when he ran out of his Far Rockaway home with a shotgun on July 25, sources close to the investigation said.
Law enforcement sources said the violent incident unfolded just before noon on Saturday when cops say they received a frantic 911 call from Thomas’ wife, begging for help after she said her husband had opened fire inside their 2533 Oceancrest Blvd. house.
“The caller states that her husband was armed and had a history of mental illness, and he quoted, ‘Kill, kill them, kill them.’ When the officers arrive on the scene. They encounter the subject’s wife outside of the residence,” NYPD Assistant Chief Christopher McIntosh said. “She told the officers that she heard gunshots in the room, walked into the room where she heard the shots, and she saw a body on the bed. She immediately ran out of the residence and called 911. Additionally, she told the responding officers to be careful because her husband has a shotgun.”
McIntosh shared that cops from the 101st Precinct called for backup from the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit and attempted to speak with Thomas. However, the dialogue failed and the gunman allegedly set fire to the house, causing a massive explosion that ultimately started a fire.
“Within 15 to 20 seconds of the explosion, the subject emerged from the house armed with a shotgun while wearing a tactical vest with additional ammo in it. Officers issued numerous verbal commands for him to put his hands up,” McIntosh added. “Officers discharged their weapons and struck the subject.”
Police sources say they believe his vest saved his life since he was struck by gunfire at least five times. He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital and treated for his injuries.
Firefighters evacuated nearby buildings and doused the blaze. Inside, first responders discovered 56-year-old Clemer Ponce with a gunshot wound to the upper right portion of her chest, and 28-year-old Selena Ponce with a bullet wound to the right shoulder. They were Thomas’ sister and mother, respectively, and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas’ arraignment is pending.