Suffolk police fatally shoot armed Bay Shore man who fled traffic stop

A Bay Shore man was shot and killed by a Suffolk police officer early Friday after he fled on foot from the scene of a traffic stop and later pulled a handgun on the officer, officials said.

Andres Morales, 27, died at the scene after being struck twice in the torso by shots fired by the unidentified Third Precinct officer, police said. The officer was not injured.

Morales, who has a lengthy criminal record, had been released from jail three weeks ago after serving six months for possession of a stolen credit card, the Suffolk County district attorney's office said.

Police said a revolver was recovered at the scene of the shooting at Dewey Place and Roosevelt Street, a couple of blocks west of Bay Shore High School.

Police declined to say whether the gun was loaded or whether Morales fired any shots at the officer.

Morales was the front-seat passenger in a car that had been stopped for a "vehicle and traffic infraction" by two uniformed officers on Howells Road, according to police.

The driver and another passenger remained inside the vehicle, but Morales jumped out and fled, police said. The two occupants are not suspected of any crimes, police said.

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Morales ran a short distance north onto Dewey Place, where the pursuing officer caught up to him shortly after midnight, police said.

"A confrontation ensued, at which time the passenger produced a handgun," Det. Lt. Kevin Beyrer said at a news conference near the scene. "The officer fired at the passenger; the passenger was shot and killed."

Police later said the officer, "fearing for his life," fired the rounds that struck Morales in the torso.

Authorities did not disclose the suspected violation that led to the traffic stop -- or say whether tickets had been issued. Beyrer said the homicide squad is continuing the investigation.

Morales' family and relatives could not be reached for comment Friday.

Court records indicate that Morales has convictions dating to 2004 for crimes ranging from possession of burglar tools and stolen property to possession of a controlled substance, operating a vehicle while ability impaired by alcohol and promoting prison contraband.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS or homicide detectives at 631-852-6392.

With John Valenti

and Khloe Meitz