A New York City police officer was critically wounded while he was patrolling on the street. He was shot in the head after he inquired a man whom he saw acting suspiciously. The incident happened in Queens on Saturday. The man was shot while he was in his unmarked police car.
It is believed that this incident was a result of tensions between American and African police forces which are very often around the country lately. The suspected gunman was identified as Demetrius Blackwell.
At around 6:15 PM the New York Police Department (NYPD) officer was patrolling together with a colleague nearby the intersection of 212th Street and 104th Road in neighborhood of Queens Village. Officer Brian Moore (25) was in the driver’s seat and Officer Erik Jansen was in the passenger’s seat. They noticed a suspicious black man around 30 years old who was adjusting an object in his waistband. Officer Brian Moore questioned the suspicious man. It seems that Demetrius Blackwell had a firearm in his waistband. He removed it from there, turned to Officer Moore and fired into the vehicle, shooting Officer Moore in the head. Officer Erik Jansen radioed for assistance immediately.
Brian Moore was immediately taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he underwent surgery. His condition was critical, but now he is in a stable condition. Moore is considered a member of a police family since both his father and uncle are retired officers.
The police searched the area, checked the roofs and looked under parked cars. During a news conference Bill de Blasio, New York City Mayor, declared that he was pleased to see that members of the community offered to help the police officers to find the gunman. He also remarked:
“It is a painful day for all of us — it is a painful day for all New Yorkers, it’s a painful day for all members of the NYPD.”
De Blasio described this incident as dishonorable act of violence not only against an NYPD officer, but also against the entire city of New York and its important values.
According to William Bratton, police commissioner, 35-year-old Demetrius Blackwell has an impressive arrest history which includes robbery and criminal weapon possession. Bratton explained that 90 minutes after the incident Blackwell was taken into custody. Since no weapon was found the gunman was not charged yet.
This incident comes less than six months after other two NYPD officers were killed. The shooting of Officer Moore is the fifth similar case since December.
Image Source: Frontpage Mag
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