UNDERCOVER SHOOTS, KILLS AFTER BUST

NEW YORK - An undercover officer who had just completed a drug buy shot and
killed a man who apparently attempted to rob him at knifepoint of the
heroin he had purchased, police said.

The shooting occurred Friday in an area of Brooklyn that has a long history
of drug problems, police said. The 29-year-old officer, whose name is being
withheld because he works undercover, had just bought three envelopes of
heroin _ worth $10 each _ from at least two people, police said.

After buying the drugs, the officer began walking away. He was then
approached by a man who had apparently seen the transaction, police said.
The man pulled out a utility knife with a 3-inch blade and ordered the
officer to give him the drugs.

The officer pulled out his service revolver and fired four times, hitting
the man three times. The suspect, Reynaldo Colon, 33, of Queens, was
pronounced dead at the scene.

It was not immediately known if the officer, a seven-year veteran of the
force, would face any charges. Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik visited
the shooting scene and talked with the officer.