911 call audio released in Queens police-involved shooting of man experiencing mental health crisis

BRIARWOOD, Queens (WABC) — Newly released 911 audio sheds light on a call for mental health assistance that preceded an officer-involved shooting in Queens.

In the audio, the caller requested involuntary transportation and an ambulance for what was described as a mental health episode involving 22-year-old Jabez Chakraborty.

FULL CALL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTGeN8SNNWA

In the 911 call, Chakraborty’s mother asked for an EMS response, but added that Chakraborty was throwing glass and needed to be removed against his will. She was advised that police would respond, as well. The caller also said no one was injured and that Chakraborty did not have any weapons.

Police later responded to the home in Queens. Body-worn camera video released Tuesday appears to show Chakraborty holding a knife as a family member appears to try to prevent him from moving toward an officer.

The man’s mother tries to calm him down as the officers plead with him to drop the knife. One of the officers slams the door but the Chakraborty manages to pry it open and as he does, the officer fires four shots.

The family said they called 911 to request an ambulance so their son could receive medical attention while he was experiencing emotional distress.

“We did not call the police,” the family said.

Chakraborty survived several bullet wounds and remains hospitalized. His family says he is schizophrenic and the presence of the officers likely made things worse. Mayor Mamdani said Tuesday that he visited Chakraborty, who he said has lived with schizophrenia for many years.

“I’m sure if someone is going through any mental health crisis and they see an officer with a gun pointing at them, that that also is not necessarily going to de-escalate any situation that is happening. And that person’s command is not going to de-escalate the situation,” Simran Thind, a spokesperson for the family, said.

Mayor Mamdani has made it clear that police should respond to violent mental health episodes. But not necessarily this one.

“They’re calling for involuntary removal. They’re saying that he’s breaking glass. I mean, you would agree, right, that a police officer should be responding to that?” Eyewitness News reporter N.J. Burkett asked.

“I think that the questions at the heart of our pursuit of the Department of Community Safety are looking to answer exactly what mental health crisis response should look like. And I think what we are seeing is what it does look like today. And we know that for far too long, we haven’t asked these kinds of questions of this system. Those are the ones we’re looking to answer with our work and our policies,” Mamdani responded.

The mayor said the city may move more quickly to launch his proposed Department of Community Safety. The initiative would send social workers, rather than police officers, to respond to mental health crises.

“I proposed creating a Department of Community Safety to build a mental health system rooted in prevention and sustained care, a real crisis response, so officers no longer have to handle these situations alone,” Mamdani said.

In a separate statement, the mayor added that Chakraborty needs mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution.

The family claims Chakraborty remains in the ICU, handcuffed at the wrist and ankles. They agree with the mayor that he should not be prosecuted.

The Queen’s District Attorney’s Office has not commented, but is conducting an investigation.

The proposal has drawn controversy, with critics noting that crisis situations can escalate rapidly and may still require police involvement.

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