The two-year hunt for Charles Mozdir, the 32-year-old photographer from California suspected of child molestation in 2012, has finally ended. The suspect was shot and killed by authorities during a shootout Sunday night in Greenwich Village.

Reports show that Mozdir received the fatal wound after opening fire on two U.S. marshals and one NYPD detective who were attempting to arrest him. The shootout happened roughly after 1 p.m. at a smoke shop, Smoking Culture, located at 177 W. 4^th St. The suspect, who altered his appearance to dodge arrest, was believed to have been working as a salesman in the store.

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The gun battle commenced within the enclosed space of the shop. Mozdir was said to have fired at the law enforcers the moment they came near the store. Authorities disclose that the suspect used a .32-caliber revolver.

Mozdir managed to hit NYPD Detective Mario Muniz at least twice in the groin area. The suspect also injured both U.S. marshals, Ryan Westfield and Pat Lin, in the elbow and buttocks.

Muniz was said to not have discharged his weapon while both federal agents admitted to firing multiple rounds. These shots then mortally wounded the suspect. Mozdir passed away at the same hospital.

Investigations reveal that the suspect fired at the law enforcers five times while 20 more rounds were found inside his pocket. Mozidir was shot six to ten times before having been declared fatally wounded.

No verified reports have been filed on whether Mozdir fired the first shot. However, witnesses confirm this theory.

"They came in to talk to him and he just opened fire," claims Asksan Freeman, a manicurist working at a neighboring store.

Police Commissioner Bill Bratton related that the NYPD detective was the first to enter the store to confirm the suspect's presence in the area. The two U.S. marshals then followed suit, which could have incited Mozdir to open fire.

Some believe that the repeat airing of the segment featuring Mozdir in the CNN show, "The Hunt", hosted by child-welfare advocate John Walsh led to the end of this manhunt. The episode also reiterated the $1 million warrant issued for Mozdir's arrest.

An anonymous tipster was said to have contacted the show and provided information on Mozdir's possible location. After the rerun of the same episode on Sunday, another anonymous tipster sent the address of the smoke shop. Walsh then immediately forwarded the information to the authorities.

Mozdir was arrested in June 2012 following a police report filed by the parents of a seven-year-old boy whom he allegedly sexually molested. The victim is the son of the suspect's friends who even hired him as photographer during their wedding celebration.

The couple's closeness with Mozdir was evident as they even sought his help when their son was suffering from very high fever. It was during this time that the alleged molestation incident occurred. The suspect was said to have played with the feverish child's private parts while the boy's mother slept beside them.

The morning after the incident, the boy told his parent's what occurred the night before. Distraught and outraged by this accusation, the couple immediately reported the case to the police. Mozdir was arrested four days after the report.

The manhunt for Mozdir began after his release on bail from San Diego County Jail. He was said to have failed to attend to his June 15, 2012, arraignment at San Diego Superior Court. He remained at large until Monday afternoon's shootout.

The law enforcers involved in the shooting incident were confined at Bellevue Hospital, which confirmed that all three are in stable condition. They are expected to have a speedy recovery from their injuries. 

TagsCharles Mozdir, child molester, Greenwich Village, NYPD, manhunt, Fugitive, Mario Muniz, Ryan Westfield, Pat Lin, Bill Bratton, John Walsh, The Hunt