Staten Island authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a 44-year-old man by an off-duty NYPD officer Friday night outside Andrew’s Diner. Police sources confirm the man, identified as Jesse Campbell, had at least 22 prior arrests spanning a range of offenses, including assaulting police officers, trespassing, larceny, and drug-related charges.
According to law enforcement, Campbell brandished a hyper-realistic BB gun at the officers. Two off-duty NYPD officers reportedly ordered him multiple times to drop the weapon before one fired several rounds. Campbell was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The BB gun Campbell wielded closely resembled an actual firearm, a factor police say made the threat appear imminent. NYPD photos show the realistic design, which would have made it difficult to distinguish from a live weapon at a distance.
Police sources indicate Campbell had just recently left a mental health court program, and in the hours leading up to the shooting, he reportedly told family members he wanted to be killed by police. Authorities stressed that, despite his personal struggles, the threat posed by pointing a realistic-looking gun at law enforcement could not be ignored.
Neighbors and family members describe Campbell as having faced long-standing mental and emotional challenges, noting that he had struggled for years with instability and personal crises. While expressing sympathy for his mental health battles, police emphasized that the off-duty officers acted in accordance with protocol given the immediate danger posed.
The incident has sparked conversations around mental health, public safety, and the use of realistic-looking weapons in public spaces. Staten Island officials have confirmed that the NYPD is conducting a full review of the shooting, including examining body camera footage, statements from witnesses, and the sequence of events leading to the fatal confrontation.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward. Meanwhile, the Staten Island community grapples with the complexities of a tragic encounter between law enforcement and an individual facing deep personal struggles, highlighting ongoing challenges surrounding mental health and public safety.
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