Suspect charged in Empire Boulevard murder

Derek Goodings, 26, has been arrested and charged in connection with a homicide that took place on Monday, September 1 at around 3:36 a.m. on Empire Boulevard between Rogers and Nostrand Avenues, within the confines of the 71st Precinct.

Goodings allegedly began shooting towards a crowd of people gathered on Empire Boulevard where 55-year-old Michael Sampson was standing. Sampson was shot in the torso and pronounced dead on arrival when Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene.

Additionally, a 20-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man were both shot in the left leg.

The female and the second male shooting victim were taken to Kings County Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition. During the shooting, an unmarked NYPD van was also struck, causing glass to shatter on the occupant, an on-duty NYPD detective who was removed to Downstate Medical Center where he was treated and released.

At the time of the incident, a uniformed officer observed the shootings and chased the suspect. During the course of the pursuit, the suspect dropped his firearm – a loaded .45 caliber black Taurus Millennium firearm – and continued fleeing the scene on foot. Other uniformed officers retrieved the firearm and the suspect was apprehended without further incident in the vicinity of Empire Boulevard and Nostrand Avenue.

Goodings has been charged with second degree murder, assault, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon.

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