Teen Gunman Camani Barletto, 18, Identified & Hit with Attempted Murder Charges in Chaotic Brooklyn NYPD Shooting That Left Veteran Detective Shot in the Back – Just 10 Days from Retirement

A brazen 18-year-old from New Jersey who allegedly rushed an unmarked NYPD car while waving a gun has been identified and slapped with a slew of serious charges after a chaotic confrontation in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, that ended with a veteran detective shot in the back – an apparent victim of friendly fire.

Camani Barletto, of West Orange, New Jersey, was arrested and charged Monday night with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of weapons possession, two counts of reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief in the early-morning shooting that unfolded around 4:15 a.m. Sunday.

The incident unfolded when Barletto, allegedly brandishing a firearm, stormed toward an unmarked police vehicle occupied by four uniformed officers. The tense confrontation quickly escalated into gunfire, leaving Detective Robert Karroll – a married father of three who was just 10 days away from retirement – shot in the back.

Karroll, assigned to the NYPD’s sex offender monitoring unit, was rushed to the hospital and is expected to survive his injuries. A second officer suffered a contusion to the face and shoulder during the struggle. A 9mm firearm was recovered at the scene.

Barletto reportedly resisted arrest and was tased before being taken into custody, according to sources and police updates.

The shocking confrontation has left the NYPD community reeling, especially given Karroll’s impending retirement and dedication to the job. Colleagues describe him as a dedicated father and respected detective who was looking forward to spending more time with his family after years of service.

This latest incident adds to growing concerns about youth gun violence and confrontations with police in New York City, coming just days after other high-profile shootings and amid ongoing debates about officer safety and juvenile crime.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the shooting in briefings, emphasizing the quick response and the suspect’s arrest. The case remains under investigation, with authorities piecing together the exact sequence of events that led to the detective being struck.

Barletto’s charges reflect the severity of the alleged actions, with attempted murder counts carrying significant prison time if convicted. Prosecutors are expected to seek maximum penalties given the dangerous nature of the incident and the risk to officers and the public.

As the city grapples with another high-profile police-involved shooting, community leaders and law enforcement are calling for calm while urging residents to cooperate with investigators.

The NYPD continues to stress officer safety protocols in high-risk encounters, especially when dealing with armed suspects in unpredictable situations.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the split-second decisions officers face daily – and the devastating consequences when armed individuals choose confrontation over compliance.

Stay tuned as more details emerge from this ongoing investigation. Our thoughts are with Detective Karroll and all officers putting their lives on the line every day.