Bystander dies after being shot by NYPD undercover officer

He says New York City police officers were involved in an undercover operation that brought them into Mount Vernon.

Felix Kumi, 61, of Mount Vernon died shortly before 1 a.m., authorities said.

The shooting occurred at about 4 p.m.in a residential neighborhood near Beekman Avenue and Pease Street after an undercover NYPD officer met with a suspected illegal-gun dealer in the Bronx and the two men drove to Mount Vernon to conduct the transaction, investigators said. Kumi was also taken to Jacobi Hospital and is in critical condition. The 37-year-old’s name was not released.

The gun seller who rode with the undercover cop from the Bronx, Jeff Aristy, 28, ran as soon as the shooting started and is still at large, law enforcement sources said. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.

“Mr. Kumi was blameless, and this tragedy has tested and tried his family”, Bratton said. A second suspect got into the back seat of the officer’s vehicle, pointed a gun at his head and demanded money, the NYPD said.

According to the NYPD, after the undercover officer gave the second suspect money, that suspect attempted to flee.

“During the shooting, a 63-year-old man who was standing behind the suspect was struck by at least two rounds”, O’Neill said.

An undercover gun buying sting involving NYPD cops and suspects went wrong Friday night.

The undercover officer was contacted by the suspect who told him he has guns for sale. “I pray that they may find comfort in their hope of resurrection and awakening, and I tender the Department’s support and service in their grief”. Police are now working with the Westchester District Attorney’s office and Mount Vernon police as they continue their investigation.