Split-second choice ended with NY student dead

[May 20, 2013]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Experts say the officer who killed a Long Island college student and a home invasion suspect on Friday was confronted with a split-second choice.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice professor Michele Galietta says the death of Hofstra University junior Andrea Rebello illustrates the difficulty officers face when responding to calls involving armed gunmen.

Nassau County police say the gunman pointed his weapon at the officer, prompting him to open fire.

Investigators say Rebello was being held in a headlock by a masked intruder when she was hit by one of eight shots fired by a responding officer. Suspect Dalton Smith was also killed.

The officer involved is on sick leave while authorities investigate.

[Associated Press; By VERENA DOBNIK]

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