Police shot and killed a man after responding to a domestic dispute on Manhattan’s Lower East Side Sunday afternoon. 

The incident unfolded just after 4 p.m. on Aug. 16. Officers from the 7th Precinct received multiple 911 calls to 126 Ludlow St of an assault in progress. When officers arrived, they found a blood trail leading up a staircase. 

“As they continued up the stairs, they encountered a male descending the stairs toward the officers with a large butcher knife. Officers repeated multiple commands for the male to “show his hands” in an effort to have him drop the weapon. As officers issued repeated commands, the male continued to advance towards the officers armed with a large butcher knife,” NYPD assistant Chief Melissa Eger said.

Authorities say the cops opened fire at the suspect at least four times. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He has been identified as 54-year-old Wei Chan. While he did not have a criminal history, police said Chan did have a documented mental health history with the department.    

A witness at the scene said he saw police perform CPR on a man as he was rushed out of the building.

“I saw a guy get CPR and be carried out of the building,” a patron at the nearby Pretty Ricky’s bar said. “Then I saw two officers go into an ambulance.” 

Police later discovered the suspect’s father, 75-year-old Cheung Chan, with a gash wound to the head. Authorities said he was also taken to Bellevue and is expected to survive. 
Police at the crime scene.Photo by Dean Moses

Deborah Martins was on her honeymoon at the pretty Rickey’s bar when she heard the shots

“It looked really serious because that was this guy was getting taken out on a gurney and getting CPR, and I don’t think he’s doing well. And another guy was all bloodied up,” she said

Police recovered the butcher knife at the scene. 
Detectives at the scene.Photo by Dean Moses

The NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit was at the scene to search for evidence. Officers secured the area with crime scene tape.

A sister reunited with her brother during the incident.Photo by Dean Moses

“Officers entered the building, saw a trail of blood, and responded without hesitation – not knowing what was waiting for them as they went up the stairs. Their actions are a reminder of how officers run towards danger, not away from it,” Chief Eger added.

The NYPD sent out an advisory to avoid the area of Rivington and Ludlow Streets due to police activity. Drivers should expect delays and use alternate routes.