An investigation is underway after police shot and killed a man they say stabbed two security guards in the Bronx.

Police said they responded to a 911 call about a stabbing around 7:45 p.m. at 1974 Hughes Ave., a half way house.

When they arrived, officers found two women guards with stab wounds.

One of the guards was stabbed in the arm, and the other was stabbed in the arm and chest.

A man, who police identified Tuesday as 67-year-old Cornell Lockhart -- who lived in the building -- was in the lobby and armed with a steak knife.

Residents said Lockhart was a known panhandler.

Officers opened fire when he refused to drop the weapon.

The NYPD said the officers did not have tasers.

"The officers repeated these commands more than 20 times. The armed man did not comply and instead stepped towards the officers with the knife displayed in his right hand. At that point both officers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect multiple times," said NYPD Chief of Patrol Terence Monahan.

"I seen him bother people, you know, asking for money, but he's always kept a good spirit in him, you know. If you say no to him, he'd ask for change. If you say no to him, you know, he'll make a joke out of it," said a person at the scene. 

Lockhart was pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital on Monday night. 

The two security guards are in serious condition.

Police said the two officers who were involved in the shooting were wearing body cameras, and their footage will be reviewed as part of the investigation.