A man is dead after a shootout with police Wednesday night in the Bronx.

Police say two narcotics officers saw the 32-year-old man with a gun assaulting another man near 183rd Street and Washington Avenue. They say they told the man to drop his gun, but he started shooting at them instead. Officers responded by firing back.

The man, who a friend identifies as ex-con Jose Rivera, was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The two officers weren't hurt, but were taken to the hospital for trauma treatment.

Neighbors say the area continues to deteriorate. One woman says the violence is getting so bad, she?s scared to walk to church at night.