A man was shot and critically injured by police in Brooklyn on Sunday morning after he allegedly attacked four young girls with a meat cleaver in a shocking incident at their home. The police arrived swiftly following a 911 call made by an 11-year-old girl, who hid in a room to call for help. The girls, aged 8, 11, 13, and 16, sustained serious slash and stab wounds but are expected to survive, according to New York Times.

Longqian Chen, 49, the alleged attacker, was reportedly related to the victims and was the only adult present in the home, where he was found wielding a large, bloodied cleaver. Witnesses described a “horrific scene” with blood on the walls and floors when police entered the apartment in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, at approximately 10:15 a.m.

The incident unfolded rapidly when the young girl managed to lock herself away and call 911, despite being frightened and injured. India Times reported that police tracked the call using location technology to pinpoint the address of the attack. Upon arrival, police heard screams and kicked down the door to find Chen advancing towards them, despite repeated commands to drop the weapon.

The officers fired a total of seven rounds, hitting Chen and neutralizing the immediate threat. ABC News cited Commissioner Jessica Tisch's comments praising the bravery of the young girl, stating, “This could have ended very differently,” emphasizing that her actions helped save the lives of her siblings. Authorities confirmed that Chen has a history of mental illness, which may have contributed to the attack.

The police had not previously received any reports of domestic violence from that residence, according to NYPD Chief John Chell. Chen was transported to Maimonides Medical Center in critical condition, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances behind the violent incident.

For more details on this unfolding story, visit New York Times.