Man Shot in Midtown After Attacking Police Officer With Hammer

Authorities say a man shot and wounded by a police officer after he pulled out a hammer and struck a second officer has a history of mental illness.

Thirty-year-old David Baril was in critical but stable condition Wednesday after he was shot at least twice by an officer. Surveillance video shows Baril lunging at an officer, with a hammer striking her at least three times. She falls to the ground as her partner fires on Baril.

Manhattan Chief of Detectives Bill Aubry says Baril has a history of paranoia and schizophrenia and voluntarily left a mental institution in December.

Baril has no recent address.

Police Commissioner William Bratton commended the officers.

Baril is suspected of attacking four people with a hammer earlier in the week.

Police are investigating.

Today's attack on the police officer leading to the shooting of the suspect by police. pic.twitter.com/HFy8iENZPF

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 13, 2015