New York City police officer Michael Smith apparently shot and killed himself inside his Falmouth Street apartment on March 7, according to the Daily News.
The 47-year-old officer, who worked in community affairs in the 70th Precinct, shot himself in the head with his girlfriend and her parents in the next room next as she was planning to pack up and leave him, according to the News.
Police responded to a call about an emotionally disturbed person inside the Manhattan Beach apartment between Shore Boulevard and Hampton Avenue at a little before 5 pm, officials said.
Emergency responders arrived to discover that the officer had shot himself in the head in an apparent suicide, according to authorities. Officials are investigating, police said.
About 30 police officers lined up as the police department’s Emergency Services Unit carried out Smith’s body covered in an American flag, and more than a dozen vehicles escorted the ambulance as it drove off, according to photographer Paul Martinka, who was on the scene.
Fellow officers lit candles outside the apartment building that night.
The fallen officer was highly respected in his command, Councilman Jumaane Williams (D–Flatbush) tweeted on March 9:
“Community Affairs Officer Michael Smith displayed Courtesy, Professionalism & Respect in every interaction I had with him. #RIP @NYPD70Pct,” the pol said.
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide, do not leave the person alone; remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273–8255; and take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
