Teen Suspect Charged After NYPD Detective Shot in Friendly Fire Incident

An 18-year-old individual has been identified and formally charged in connection with a dramatic incident where a seasoned NYPD detective, nearing retirement, was wounded by what appears to be friendly fire. Camani Barletto, the teen in question, faced arraignment on Monday night, July 6, receiving two counts of attempted murder, alongside two counts of weapons possession, two counts of reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. These charges stem from a chaotic encounter that led to Detective Robert Karroll sustaining a gunshot wound in Crown Heights on Sunday morning, July 5, according to police reports.

Detective Karroll, a married father of three with only ten days left before his retirement, was reportedly shot in the back at approximately 4:15 a.m. The incident unfolded when Barletto, who hails from West Orange, New Jersey, allegedly approached an unmarked police vehicle occupied by four uniformed officers, openly displaying a firearm. Authorities further detailed that upon the suspect brandishing his weapon directly at the officers, three out of the four policemen discharged their firearms. While their shots missed Barletto, one bullet seemingly struck Detective Karroll.

Earlier, at about 4:05 a.m., surveillance cameras reportedly captured the armed teenager conversing with four individuals outside a deli on Nostrand Avenue, merely ten minutes prior to the shooting of Detective Karroll. According to sources, Barletto then purportedly produced a 9mm handgun, aggressively pointing it at one of the men. He subsequently entered the store briefly, re-emerged, and discharged the weapon at a passing Uber, which investigators believe was his intended target. Fortunately, neither the Uber driver nor the passenger sustained any injuries from the gunfire.

Sources further indicated that Barletto then moved stealthily behind the unmarked police SUV, his weapon clearly visible. He proceeded along the driver’s side before positioning himself directly in front of the vehicle, again brandishing the firearm. This action reportedly prompted the officers to open fire, leading to Detective Karroll being shot. Although Barletto attempted to escape, he was apprehended several blocks away, at the intersection of Union Street and Rogers Avenue. Officials confirmed that he resisted arrest and was ultimately subdued with a taser.

Investigations reveal that the teenager has no previous arrest record within New York State, though he does have at least one shoplifting charge from Essex County, New Jersey. Detective Karroll, the veteran officer, was fortunate to avoid a fatal injury thanks to his bulletproof vest, despite the patrol vehicle being riddled with bullets during the intense exchange. Additionally, a female officer sustained minor injuries in the incident. Police confirmed that Karroll was discharged from the hospital within hours and is anticipated to make a complete recovery.