NYPD Officer Fires on Driver in Stolen Vehicle After Chase
A New York City Police Department officer discharged a weapon Sunday, striking a driver who authorities say was attempting to flee in a stolen vehicle after a pursuit. The incident unfolded after a silver Kia Sportage was reported stolen from the Bronx.
License plate readers tracked the vehicle, which was eventually located by officers on West Fordham Road. Law enforcement attempted to initiate a traffic stop, issuing repeated commands for the driver and a passenger to exit the car.
Suspect Allegedly Rammed Police Vehicles
According to officials, the driver then reversed the vehicle, colliding with several officers and an unmarked police car. The suspect then propelled the Kia forward, striking another officer.
Aneudy Castillo, assistant chief and commanding officer of Patrol Borough Bronx North, described the sequence of events. “As members of the NYPD were around the car, the driver of the stolen vehicle put the car into reverse, hitting one member, hitting one of the unmarked vehicles, and ultimately hitting … multiple members of the NYPD,” Castillo stated. “He then put the Kia into drive and turned the wheels of the Kia to the right, where Sergeant was standing. He drove the car into the sergeant who was thrown to the ground.”
Officer Fires During Fleeing Attempt
As the driver continued to try and escape the scene, an officer positioned on top of a nearby vehicle fired their weapon, hitting the suspect. The individual was subsequently transported to Saint Barnabas Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. The officers involved in the confrontation were also taken to local medical facilities, also in stable condition.
Charges for the driver of the stolen vehicle are pending. The incident was recorded by body-worn cameras and is currently under active investigation.
Suspect’s Prior Arrests
Records indicate the suspect driving the stolen vehicle was arrested in February for allegedly shooting another individual. At that time, the suspect faced multiple felony charges, including attempted felony assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a firearm.
