NYPD body camera explodes

NEW YORK - The New York City Police Department has suspended use of a model of body camera after one exploded late Saturday night.

"An officer retrieved a body-cam for deployment on a midnight tour and noticed there was smoke exiting from the bottom portal and immediately removed it. After it was safely removed, the device exploded," the NYPD said in a statement. "There were no injuries sustained. The incident revealed a potential for the battery inside the camera to ignite. The cause and scope of the defect are currently being investigated."

The explosion revealed a potential for the battery to ignite, the NYPD said. The department removed the cameras out of an abundance of caution.

The 2,990 LE-5 cameras are being removed. In a statement, Axon, Vievu's parent company, said it will do whatever is necessary to quickly and safely resolve the situation.

The NYPD said more than 15,000 body cameras are deployed throughout the department.

"This issue does not pertain to or in any way affect members equipped with Vievu model LE-4 body-worn cameras, and members of the service equipped with LE-4 cameras will continue to use them as required by the Patrol Guide," the NYPD said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.