NYPD Officer Shoots Suspect Driving Stolen Vehicle in NYC

A New York City Police Department officer shot a driver on Sunday who was trying to evade capture after allegedly stealing a vehicle, according to law enforcement. The incident involved a silver Kia Sportage, reported stolen from the Bronx. Officers tracked the car using license plate readers and found it on West Fordham Road.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, they repeatedly instructed the driver and passenger to exit the car. Authorities state that the driver reversed, hitting several officers and an unmarked police car. The driver then moved forward, striking another officer.

“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. 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,” said Aneudy Castillo, assistant chief and commanding officer of Patrol Borough Bronx North.

While the driver attempted to flee, an officer from a nearby vehicle fired shots, hitting the driver. The driver was then taken to Saint Barnabas Hospital and is in stable condition. Officers involved were also treated at local hospitals and are in stable condition.

Charges against the driver are pending. The police have captured the incident on body-worn camera footage, and the investigation continues.

The suspect had been previously arrested in February for shooting another man and faced charges, including attempted felony assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a firearm.