Far Rockaway Shooting, Fire Leave Two Dead; Suspect Wounded by NYPD

Two people were found dead after gunfire, an explosion and a house fire at a Far Rockaway home on Saturday, July 25. Police also shot and wounded a man who emerged from the residence carrying a shotgun, according to police accounts reported by CBS New York, NBC New York and Spectrum News NY1.

What police said happened

The incident began shortly before noon at a home on Ocean Crest Boulevard. Police responded to a 911 report of gunfire inside the house and requested the NYPD Emergency Service Unit, according to the reports.

As officers tried to establish communication with the suspect and prepared to enter the home, police said an explosion came from the residence. The explosion was followed by a fire.

Police said the suspect then emerged from the home carrying a shotgun and wearing a tactical vest. Officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon, according to the police account. When he did not comply, officers opened fire and struck him.

Suspect taken to Jamaica Hospital

The man, identified in the reviewed reporting as 33-year-old Kegan Thomas, was taken into custody after officers provided medical aid. Reports described his condition at Jamaica Hospital as critical or critical but stable.

The NYPD’s 101st Precinct serves Far Rockaway and Bayswater. Nearby homes were evacuated during the emergency response, CBS New York reported.

Deaths and fire remain under investigation

Two people were found dead inside the home after the fire. The reviewed reports did not establish the victims’ identities, their relationship to the suspect or the causes of death through a confirmed official release.

Police said portions of the response were captured on officers’ body-worn cameras. Investigators were continuing to examine the deaths, the fire and the circumstances of the police shooting. The cause of the fire had not been established in the reviewed coverage.

No formal criminal charges were confirmed in the reviewed reports. Additional information could come from the NYPD, the city medical examiner’s office or court records as the investigations continue.

Sources

• CBS New York: Far Rockaway shooting and house fire
• NBC New York: Police shoot and wound armed suspect outside Far Rockaway home
• Spectrum News NY1: Two dead, man in custody after shooting and fire