In a chaotic scene in Queens, two NYPD officers were shot overnight while pursuing a suspect involved in a robbery pattern involving mopeds and scooters. The incident occurred in East Elmhurst when officers tried to stop a suspect riding a moped the wrong way near 23rd Avenue and 82nd Street. The suspect fled on foot and fired at the officers during the chase.
One officer was struck in his bulletproof vest, while the other was hit in the leg. Both were hospitalized and are expected to be released later Monday.
The suspect, a 19-year-old staying at a nearby migrant shelter, was shot in the ankle and taken into custody. He is a suspect in several Queens robbery patterns but has no prior arrests in New York City. Police recovered a firearm at the scene and are investigating over 80 similar robbery patterns citywide.
Mayor Eric Adams condemned the shooting as “senseless” during a hospital visit with the officers. Holding up the torn vest, Adams stated, “Because of this vest, a young police officer is going home.” NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban confirmed the officers were in good spirits and emphasized the department’s support.
The investigation is ongoing.