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Off-Duty Cop Takes His Own Life in Astoria Sunday

Officer Richard Catapano fatally shot himself Sunday inside his 31-10 23rd St. apartment (Google Maps)

Aug 3 2020, By Michael Dorgan

An off duty NYPD cop fatally shot himself in the head inside his Astoria apartment Sunday morning.

Officer Richard Catapano was discovered dead after police responded to a 911 call at around 1:50 a.m. of a shooting inside 31-10 23^rd St. The NYPD officer had shot himself, police said, and they are treating the incident as a suicide.

Catapano carried out the act while he was with his girlfriend and a mutual friend, according to the New York Post.

He shot himself shortly after a dispute with his partner, the publication reported, and he was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Catapano joined the force in 2016 and was stationed at the 73rd precinct which serves a northeastern area of Brooklyn covering Brownsville and Ocean Hill, police said.

The police have not released any other details regarding the incident.

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3 Comments

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Jules August 6th, 2020

Rest in Peace. It is not supposed to be like this.

Jaymarie August 3rd, 2020

My heart is broken for him.

William Hanousek August 4th, 2020

And his family

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