Machete-Wielder Shot by Cops in Brooklyn Attacked Woman Hours Earlier
By: 0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Body cam
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Police in Brooklyn shot a man who was allegedly armed with a 20-inch machete and a kitchen knife when he ran up to an NYPD lieutenant Tuesday, hours after injuring other people, according to law enforcement sources and officials.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old James Olla of Brooklyn, was shot just after 4 p.m. on New Lots Avenue, between Snediker Avenue and Hinsdale Street, in East New York, after walking up to an NYPD officer with both weapons, officials said.
"He has a knife in each hand, and he starts advancing on the lieutenant. The lieutenant gave multiple commands to put the knife down," said NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey.
But Olla did not put the weapons down, and police said body camera footage showed the man advancing closer. The lieutenant then fired two shots, striking him in the thigh and groin area.
Olla was taken to Brookdale Hospital and is expected to survive, officials said. The machete was recovered at the scene, according to law enforcement sources.
He was charged Wednesday with attempted assault on a police officer, intent to injure a police officer, menacing a cop and other crimes in connection with the case. It wasn't clear when he might be arraigned, or if he had an attorney.
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There were no other reports of injuries from that machete incident, but authorities say that happened because of something else that happened hours earlier. Olla allegedly attacked a 58-year-old woman in downtown Brooklyn — a woman who is a mental health professional, sources said, whom the man was going to for help.
No updates on her condition were immediately provided Wednesday.
By the time police caught up with him in front of his house, Olla was allegedly further agitated. Police allege he had also threatened a neighbor with the machete and attacked a family member.
Maddrey said Olla did have a past criminal history and appeared to be on federal probation. Sources said the suspect may have been off prescribed medication he is supposed to take. The investigation is ongoing.