An armed suspect emerged from a Queens home after a fiery explosion on Saturday. New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers were responding to a 911 call about gunfire and threats.
Keegan Thompson, 33, was shot by police and arrested. The NYPD later found two deceased family members inside the home, according to NYPD Assistant Chief Christopher McIntosh.
Officers arrived at the scene after noon on Ocean Crest Boulevard in Far Rockaway. A woman outside the house reported hearing gunshots and finding a body inside before she called 911. She warned officers that her husband was armed with a shotgun.
“Two officers shot, suspect actively firing at police in Syracuse standoff lasting hours,” report mentioned.
Family members and neighbors gathered as emergency responders investigated the incident. The NYPD established a perimeter and the Emergency Service Unit (ESU) attempted to contact the suspect without success.
At approximately 12:15 p.m., a large explosion occurred inside the home as ESU officers prepared to enter.
Seconds later, the suspect exited the burning home with a shotgun, wearing tactical gear. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Thompson did not comply. An officer then shot him.
Thompson was taken to Jamaica Hospital in critical but stable condition. He has no documented criminal or mental health history with the NYPD.
Inside the home, officers found two dead family members. Their identities and causes of death remain under investigation.
Nearby homes were evacuated as flames engulfed the house. The cause of the explosion is still unknown, and whether explosives were involved is under investigation.
The incident was recorded on officers’ body cameras and is part of an ongoing NYPD Force Investigation Division review.
“The bravery of the responding officers cannot be overstated,” McIntosh noted.
Reporter Brittany Miller contributed to this report. She is a Fox News Digital breaking news writer and Syracuse University alumna.