'Mentor, Leader': Ex-Prison Guard Dies In Police-Involved Shooting: PD

BRENTWOOD, NY — The Long Island man who was shot and killed by police after he charged at them with a knife was a retired New York City Department of Correction officer who served on Rikers Island, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

On Friday, Suffolk police responded to the Brentwood home of Bruce Boyd, 54, after a family member requested a welfare check. Upon arrival, police said they found Boyd armed with a knife and suffering from multiple self-inflicted wounds.

After following officers out of the house armed with a knife and ignoring commands to drop it, at least one officer fired his gun and struck Boyd, who was pronounced dead at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, police said.

At a press conference, Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said Boyd had a "previous history of emotional and medical issues."

That night, the NYCD took to social media to mourn Boyd, writing: "The New York City Department of Correction grieves the loss of retired Correction Officer Bruce Boyd.

"During his 24-year career, Officer Boyd served at various facilities on Rikers Island, mentored staff as an instructor, and served in the department's elite Emergency Service Unit. His service to the city included responding to the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, and the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 two months later.

"'Officer Boyd was a beloved member of the Boldest family and known throughout the department as a mentor and a leader. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and fellow officers. May he rest in eternal peace,' said DOC Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie."