White Plains, New York — Late Thursday night, the White Plains Police Department responded to a volatile domestic assault involving a suspect armed with multiple weapons. The incident began when communications received multiple calls from citizens reporting a female screaming for help in the area of Stevens Street. As officers responded, dispatchers broadcasted updated information indicating that a male suspect was armed with a knife.
Upon arrival, officers Moskowitz and Kressevich encountered a suspect who was actively self- harming and advancing toward them with a knife and crowbar in his hands, in a clear attempt to provoke lethal force “Suicide by Cop”.
Responding personnel employed immediate de-escalation tactics, utilizing less-lethal force to neutralize the threat and secure the weapons. Simultaneously, officers transitioned to life-saving operations, providing critical medical aid to the suspect while other officers were locating the domestic violence victim, who had been severely injured. In addition to addressing the violence, officers successfully mitigated a significant hazard by securing what appeared to be an intentional gas leak at the scene. This coordinated effort ensured the safety of the neighborhood while allowing for rapid medical transport for all involved parties.
The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) responded to process multiple crime scenes and interview witnesses. The suspect faces initial charges of:
- Assault in the 2nd Degree (3) counts, and
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th Degree (2) counts
Additional charges may be pending following consultation with the Office of the District Attorney. Investigators later noted that the suspect had recently completed his last will and
testament and presented it to a family member prior to the incident.
Our primary mission is the preservation of human life and the restoration of order, even in the face of extreme unpredictability. We recognize that incidents of this nature are exceptionally complex and carry a significant emotional toll. Following the event, the department conducted a thorough debriefing and has provided comprehensive counseling resources to all involved personnel to support their well-being.
Department leadership commends the involved team for their exceptional courage, resolve, and professional discipline. Their swift, decisive actions transformed a chaotic, potentially tragic situation into a contained and medically addressed event. This response stands as a testament to the department’s rigorous training and commitment to public safety.
“I commend all the officers and supervisors involved in this dynamic event for their
exceptional courage, resolve, and professionalism. Their swift and decisive actions successfully de-escalated a dangerous situation that could have easily ended in tragedy. I have no doubt that lives were saved.”
“This outstanding response serves as a testament to the dedication of the White Plains Police Department. It provides an excellent example for our community and a valuable training tool in our efforts towards continuous improvement.”
– Wade C. Hardy, Commissioner of Public Safety.
This incident is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of domestic violence and mental health crisis. We urge our community to remain vigilant. If you know of someone in a volatile domestic situation or experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact local support services immediately. By reporting concerns early, you become an essential partner in our efforts to keep White Plains safe.
