Police Shootdown to Save Chokehold Hostage!

On Saturday, December 23, 2023, at approximately 11:26 AM, in the vicinity of East 198th Street and Creston Avenue, Bronx, Police Officer Alex Morgese, assigned to patrol in the 52nd Precinct and attired in uniform, discharged one shot from his service firearm at a subject who was choking another person. The subject was identified as Mr. Michael Dotel, a 30-year-old male. On that date, at approximately 11:22 AM, Police Officer Morgese and his partner, Police Officer Mohammad Hossain, responded to a residential building in the vicinity of East 198th Street and Creston Avenue for a 911 call regarding a person who may have ingested drugs, was acting violently, and in possession of a knife. Upon arrival, the officers were met in front of the location by the
9-1-1 caller who identified Mr. Dotel as the subject and reiterated to them that Mr. Dotel was acting violently and speaking in a threatening manner.
The 9-1-1 caller then escorted the officers to the apartment where
Mr. Dotel was located. Police Officer Morgese entered the apartment, followed by Police Officer Hossain. There, Mr. Dotel was observed standing in the living room behind a civilian victim who was standing in front of him.
Mr. Dotel had the victim placed in a chokehold; his right arm was around the victim's neck and he was utilizing his left hand to apply additional pressure to his right arm. In addition, Mr. Dotel stated that he possessed a knife. As the civilian victim began to lose consciousness, Police Officer Morgese discharged one shot from his service firearm at Mr. Dotel. Mr. Dotel was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground, releasing the victim from the chokehold.
Mr. Dotel was transported via ambulance to Saint Barnabas Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. Two civilian victims were transported via ambulance to Saint Barnabas Medical Center where they were treated for injuries sustained from Mr. Dotel's assault.