NYPD officers came face-to-face with a knife-wielding suspect inside a Lower East Side apartment on Sunday afternoon. The encounter led to a fatal police shooting, and the suspect was killed.

Police officers responded to reports of an active assault on Ludlow Street. Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered that the suspect had allegedly slashed his elderly father in the head with a large butcher knife inside their Manhattan home.

The suspect has been identified as 54-year-old Ray Chan. Authorities say Chan had a history of struggling with mental health issues. Assistant Chief Melissa Eger provided a briefing on the shooting at a press conference.

“This incident demonstrates the courage our officers display when answering calls for help,” she said. “At approximately 4:06 PM this afternoon, officers responded to multiple 911 calls at 126 Ludlow Street for an assault in progress. When officers arrived and entered the building, they saw a trail of blood leading up the staircase.”

When officers confronted the suspect, he charged at them while still wielding the butcher knife. His attempt prompted police to open fire and kill him at the scene.

“…Officers repeated multiple commands for the male to show his hands in an effort for him to drop the weapon. As officers issued repeated commands, the male continued to advance towards the officers, armed with the large butcher knife. Officers responded and discharged their firearms, striking the subject.”

She further confirmed that officers recovered the butcher knife at the scene following the fatal encounter. The entire incident was reportedly captured on police bodycam footage.

“Officers on scene requested EMS, who transported the subject to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.”

The suspect had no prior criminal record with the NYPD. However, police confirmed he had a documented history of mental health interactions with the department.

The suspect’s father, 75-year-old Chung Chan, sustained a head laceration during the attack and was transported to Bellevue Hospital. Officials reported that Chung is expected to survive his injuries.

“Responding officers were taken to an area hospital for evaluation. This incident is being investigated by our Force Investigation Division. Again, officers entered the building, saw a trail of blood, and responded without hesitation, not knowing what was waiting for them as they went up the stairs. Their actions are a reminder of how officers run towards danger and not away from it.”

Netizens in the comment section lauded the responding NYPD officers for taking swift action in taking down the suspect and helping avoid any casualties.

“Well done NYPD, stay safe always. “Without hesitation “. It’s what we do. Good job Chief, keep leading,” one Facebook user commented.

Another added, “New Yorkers support you, NYPD!”

A separate comment read, “GOD BLESS THE NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ITS CIVILIAN WORKS WHO WORK FOR THE NYPD. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS “

Disclaimer: The Inquisitr could not independently confirm the facts of this incident and is reporting based on the information available within the public video record.