On January 26, Jabez Chakraborty was shot four times by NYPD officers in a rapid 16-second encounter. Now, as he recovers in a hospital, his family reflects on the tragic events that brought them to this point.
Jabez has been diagnosed with schizophrenia for three years. In mid-December, after a suicide attempt involving bleach, his family sought help, hoping to avoid police involvement. They feared that calling 911 could lead to a dangerous situation.
Instead, they turned to the city’s 988 mental health line, hoping for a response that wouldn’t involve law enforcement. However, after waiting for a mobile crisis team for two days, they were disappointed. When the team finally arrived, they asked Jabez basic questions from outside the home and left without providing any real assistance.
“We did everything we were told to do,” the Chakraborty family said. They were looking for medical help, not police intervention. But their efforts were met with delays and obstacles. Eventually, after consulting with Jabez’s psychiatrist, they called 911, hoping to get him transported for a proper evaluation.
Unfortunately, when the police arrived, they ended up taking Jabez to Queens Hospital instead of the intended location. He was only admitted after a long wait and, tragically, was discharged just three days later due to understaffing.
Stephanie Buhle from the city Health & Hospitals Corp. later stated that decisions regarding patient admission are based on clinical assessments. However, this leaves families like the Chakrabortys feeling unsupported at critical moments.
Weeks later, on that fateful January morning, Jabez experienced a psychotic break. His sister, Naomi, called 911 again, expressing concern for her brother’s safety. When officers arrived, Jabez, in a confused state, brandished a kitchen knife. This led to a confrontation where he was shot four times by the police, resulting in serious injuries.
The Chakraborty family’s experience is sadly not unique. Over the past decade, mental health crises have often ended in police force, highlighting the systemic issues in how such situations are handled. According to recent statistics, 86% of mental health calls routed through the 911 system involve police interaction, a response that many advocates argue isn’t appropriate.
This tragedy underscores the greater need for mental health infrastructure. As cities look for solutions, many experts emphasize the importance of trained mental health professionals responding to conditions like those faced by Jabez. The current system often fails those in crisis by prioritizing a rapid police response over mental health interventions.
As more families like the Chakrabortys seek help, it’s critical for community leaders and policymakers to consider changes. Building pathways for reliable mental health support could prevent tragic outcomes and provide necessary care for individuals in crisis without involving law enforcement.
Jabez’s story serves as a reminder of the urgent need for effective mental health resources. As he recovers, many hope that this experience leads to stronger systems to support individuals experiencing mental health crises.
