NEW YORK CITY, NY — New York Police Department officers shot 51-year-old Darrius Kennedy dead in the middle of Times Square Saturday afternoon after he allegedly refused  to put down a large knife he was reportedly wielding at officers and tourists.

A reported 12 shots were fired at Kennedy after he allegedly advanced towards officers with the knife. He was shot several times in the stomach and later died at a local hospital.

The deadly encounter began around 3 p.m. when an officer reportedly noticed Kennedy smoking a joint. When the cop tried to cuff him, Kennedy grew irate and pulled out a six-inch blade. Kennedy allegedly began wielding it in the middle of Times Square.

He was pepper-sprayed six times, but it did not force Kennedy to give in to officers’ demands, according to NYPD officials. He was repeatedly asked to put down the knife but refused to do so, police officials said.