CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — Detective Robert L. Karroll was shot in the back at approximately 4:14 a.m. on July 5, 2026, at the intersection of Nostrand Avenue and St. Johns Place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Karroll was wearing a ballistic vest and sustained minor injuries and a contusion to his back.

Karroll was transported to Kings County Hospital for treatment. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, "I have visited with Detective Carroll, and I am grateful to report that he is expected to make a full recovery." Tisch added, "His ballistic vest performed exactly as it was designed, and today that vest saved his life." She noted, "X-rays show a contusion to the detective's back near where the bullet struck his vest."

Three police officers fired their weapons during the incident, but the suspect was not struck by gunfire. A SAR 9mm handgun was recovered from the scene. The officers were traveling in an unmarked NYPD vehicle that sustained ballistic damage. Tisch said, "There is also ballistic damage to the department vehicle that the officers were sitting in, including bullet holes in the front and rear windshield and the passenger side of the car."

An 18-year-old male suspect was arrested after a foot chase near Rogers Avenue and Union Street. Officers used a Taser to subdue the suspect after he resisted arrest. A second officer suffered bruises to her face and shoulder during the incident. Tisch stated, "Given the lack of body-worn camera in this incident, the circumstances of the approach are still unclear, but we can say that officers exited their vehicle and attempted to engage the armed individual."

The suspect reportedly had no prior criminal history. The involved officers had been reassigned to Brooklyn as part of a July 4th violence reduction plan, having previously worked the Sail4th 250 event. Tisch said, "What happened this morning is a reminder that police officers never know what will happen when they begin a tour." Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated, "I know there are countless NYPD officers and New Yorkers mourning Detective Familia today, for whom this morning's news is a reminder of the risk that NYPD officers assume each and every day, and how we must still work to lift the scourge of violence from our city."