Carmody Used Rare WWII-era Pistol Favored by Nazis in Shootout with Police

Michael Sean Carmody exchanged gunfire with police using a collectible handgun cherished by the Nazis during World War II for its accuracy and dependability, authorities said Wednesday.

Carmody, who died Wednesday afternoon after three days on life support, was armed with a German-made Vis 35 9mm semi-automatic handgun, Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli said.

The Vis 35 was originally made in Poland and was a staple of the Polish Army. The Germans took over the factory when they invaded in 1939 and forced Polish workers to continue to build the gun for the German army and police, according to The Arms Room website. The weapon was built between 1935 and 1945.

Wartime versions of the guns can sell for more than $500, while pre-war models can fetch more than $2,000.

Authorities have not yet said where Carmody got the weapon.