Police report that a Ramapo officer shot and killed a man inside his Hempstead Road home on Christmas Eve after the man allegedly threatened the officer with a switchblade.

Police received a 911 call from the victim?s girlfriend, who claimed 41-year-old Thomas Jackson was threatening to commit suicide. When cops arrived at the home, Jackson came out of the bathroom and allegedly threatened the officers with the knife. The officers, who have not been identified, said they were up against a wall and felt they were being attacked.

Neighbors say police frequently visited Jackson?s home. One neighbor says she saw police escort Jackson?s girlfriend from the apartment in handcuffs.

Ramapo police say their officer acted within department guidelines, though they are considering using Tasers for similar situations in the future.