An NYPD sergeant was struck by a carjacking suspect and sent flying through the air during a chaotic multi-borough chase Sunday evening in the Bronx, authorities said, leading another officer to open fire on the driver as he continued to try to break through police ranks.
Background
The incident began when authorities received an alert from a license plate reader that a silver Kia Sport with New Jersey plates—reported stolen Saturday—was traveling through Washington Heights around 5:35 p.m., according to Aneudy Castillo, Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Bronx North. After receiving another alert showing the vehicle in the Bronx, the NYPD's Community Response Team tracked it onto East Fordham Road.
Officers secretly followed the stolen Kia until it stopped and let a passenger out, then ultimately halted in front of a building on East Fordham Road between Webster and Decatur Avenues. Six unmarked police cruisers surrounded the Kia as officers jumped out and pleaded with the driver to surrender, Castillo said at a press conference Sunday night.
The Investigation
The alleged carjacker put the stolen Kia into reverse and struck an unmarked police vehicle and multiple officers before shifting into drive and striking the sergeant, sending him airborne to the ground, sources told CrimeBytes. A second officer climbed atop an unmarked vehicle to avoid being hit, then pulled his weapon as the suspect attempted to reverse again with several officers still surrounding the car.
That officer fired, striking the suspect, Castillo described. The reckless driver was arrested at the scene and charged with multiple felonies, including felony assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a firearm—connected to an alleged shooting in the neighborhood in February, according to authorities.
Multiple officers, including the sergeant who bore the brunt of the collision, were taken to Jacobi Hospital with various injuries. All were listed in stable condition. The suspect was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital, also in stable condition.
Key Takeaways
- A stolen silver Kia Sport with New Jersey plates triggered a police pursuit across multiple boroughs Sunday
- Six unmarked NYPD vehicles surrounded the suspect on East Fordham Road in the Bronx before he allegedly rammed officers
- An NYPD sergeant was struck and thrown to the ground; multiple other officers were also hit by the fleeing vehicle
- A fellow officer shot the suspect as he attempted to reverse through police ranks with officers still nearby
- The suspect faces felony assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a firearm charges
What's Next
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved pending notification of family members. No court dates have been set as of publication.
The NYPD urged residents via social media to avoid East Fordham Road between Marion Avenue and Decatur Avenue due to lingering road closures and heavy traffic in the area following the chaotic scene.