Police unloaded three bullets killing an “aggressive” raccoon after the animal charged at people on a Queens boardwalk this week, authorities said.
Cops showed up at Beach 121st Street and Ocean Promenade in Belle Harbor around 9 a.m. Thursday after receiving a call of a “vicious animal” there, according to police.
When cops arrived, they saw the animal on the boardwalk, police said.
“While attempting to guide the racoon to a safe location, the animal suddenly charges towards a group of people in an aggressive manner,” the NYPD said in an email. “An officer discharged his firearm, striking the animal.”
It wasn’t immediately clear if the city’s Animal Care Centers would test the raccoon for rabies. Aggressive behavior in animals, however, is a sign of the viral infection that’s easily transferable to pets and humans through a bite.
The raccoon was shot three times before dropping to the ground dead, video obtained by The Post shows. There were no human injuries reported, cops said.
“The investigation remains ongoing by the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division,” cops said.
The division investigates when officers discharge their weapons.
