Press Release

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that Rodolfo Montero, 25, has been charged with attempted murder in the first degree and other crimes for allegedly attacking the mother of his child and then firing multiple shots at police officers when they responded to the scene Sunday in College Point, Queens.

District Attorney Katz said, “Police officers responded to a 911 call of a family dispute involving a firearm. When they arrived on the scene, they had to take cover after being met by gunfire. Thankfully, the officers were not injured during this dangerous situation. The defendant is now in custody and now faces attempted murder one and other serious charges for his alleged actions.”

Montero, of College Point, Queens, was arraigned this morning before Queens Criminal Court Judge Eugene Guarino on a complaint charging him with of attempted murder in the first degree, attempted assault in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degree, aggravated criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment in the first degree, assault in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, criminal obstruction of breathing or circulation, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment in the second degree. Judge Guarino held the defendant without bail and ordered him to return to court on September 18, 2020. If convicted, the defendant faces up to life in prison.

According to the charges, sometime in the morning on Sunday, September 13, 2020, a woman argued with the defendant in her 125th Street home. During the disagreement, the defendant allegedly choked the 20-year-old victim – cutting off her oxygen. The defendant’s mother, who was present in the apartment, intervened and tried to stop Montero from hurting the victim. At that time the defendant allegedly slapped his mother in the face. Later that afternoon, the defendant and the younger woman argued again and this time Montero is accused of punching her in the face with his fist, in the presence of their 1-year-old child.

Continuing, said DA Katz, as the dispute continued, the defendant allegedly unwrapped a black firearm from a sock-like covering and stated in sum and substance, “I am going to kill you.” The victim took her daughter and ran from the apartment along with the defendant’s mother. At approximately 4:30 p.m., police arrived at the residence after getting a 911 call of a domestic dispute. Upon exiting their police car the officers heard gun fire and saw flashes coming from a window in the home of the victim. Taking cover behind a car parked nearby, police also observed multiple bullets strike another vehicle. After a brief standoff, the defendant was taken into custody.

Police executed a court-authorized search warrant and a loaded AK 47 assault rifle was recovered from the residence.

The investigation was conducted by Detectives Michael Galgano and Thomas Farley of the New York City Police Department 109th Detective Squad along with Police Officer Elias Dallis of the 109th Precinct, under the supervision of Sergeant Ling Ma.

Assistant District Attorney Timothy J. Shortt of the District Attorney’s Career Criminal Major Crimes Bureau is prosecuting the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Shawn Clark, Bureau Chief, and Michael Whitney, Deputy Chief, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Major Crimes Daniel A. Saunders along with the assistance of Assistant District Attorney Anais Holland-Rudd, of the District Attorney’s Felony Trial Bureau IV, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Karen H. Rankin, Bureau Chief, Robert J. Ferino and Barry S. Weinrib, Deputy Bureau Chiefs, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney of the Trial Division Pishoy Yacoub.