Heroic 911 Call During Brooklyn Attack Saves Four Young Girls from Meat Cleaver Assault

Heroic 911 Call During Brooklyn Attack Saves Four Young Girls from Meat Cleaver Assault

A man brandishing a meat cleaver assaulted four young girls in a Brooklyn home, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, prompting a swift response from the New York City Police Department.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., officers responded to a distressing 911 call from a residence in Bensonhurst, a residential area in southern Brooklyn. The New York City Police Department confirmed that the call originated from one of the victims, an 11-year-old girl, who bravely reported that she and her siblings had been attacked by their uncle.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch provided insight during a press conference, highlighting the heroism demonstrated by the young caller. The girl hid in a separate room to make the emergency call while a younger, uninjured boy ran outside to seek help from neighbors.

Swift Police Response

Upon arrival, officers were confronted with the chilling sounds of children screaming inside the apartment. Tisch revealed that the police acted decisively, quickly forcing their way into the home. Once inside, they encountered Long Chen, the 49-year-old assailant, holding a large, bloodied cleaver.

Despite commands for him to drop the weapon, Chen lunged at the officers, prompting them to fire, ultimately neutralizing the threat. The scene within the home was harrowing, with blood evident on the floors and walls.

The Victims and Their Condition

The injured girls, aged 16, 13, 11, and 8, were discovered inside the apartment, all suffering from significant slash and stab wounds. Tisch expressed relief, stating that, against all odds, the four children are expected to survive thanks to the rapid response from emergency teams.

“This could have ended very differently,” Tisch emphasized. “Officers and EMS arrived within minutes of the 911 call. Their swift action to identify the location and force entry undoubtedly saved these young girls’ lives.”

Investigating the Incident

Following the incident, police recovered two knives from the scene. The first was the large meat cleaver wielded by Chen, while a second, bloodied knife was found in another room. Investigators seek to piece together the relationship between Chen and the young victims.

A History of Mental Illness

Authorities reported that Chen is believed to be a relative of the girls, although the specific familial connection is still under investigation. Family members indicated that he had a history of mental illness, yet there were no prior reports of domestic violence incidents linked to the household.

The Ongoing Investigation

As the investigation unfolds, the motives behind this tragic event remain unclear. John Chell, the NYPD Chief of Department, reassured the public that they would provide updates as more information becomes available.

“The courage shown by the children, especially the 11-year-old who called for help, is commendable,” Chell remarked. “Their actions played a crucial role in alerting authorities and preventing even greater tragedy.”

A Community in Shock

The brutal attack has left the Bensonhurst community reeling. Residents express shock and disbelief over the violent incident occurring in their neighborhood. Many families are now grappling with the question of safety in what they considered a peaceful area.

In the wake of the violence, neighbors are coming together to support the victims and their families. Community members are discussing the importance of mental health awareness and intervention, particularly in families where mental illness is present.

The Path Forward

As discussions regarding mental health continue, the community is also focusing on ways to enhance safety and support for families in crisis. Solutions might include increased access to mental health resources and community safety initiatives.

The NYPD remains committed to ensuring the safety of the community. Officers have stepped up patrols in response to the incident, aiming to provide reassurance to residents and address their concerns.

This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health and violence, underscoring the critical need for preventive measures and support systems in place for vulnerable families.