Bronx, New York — A dramatic police pursuit spanning multiple New York City boroughs ended in gunfire Sunday evening after a suspect driving a stolen vehicle allegedly struck several officers, including an NYPD sergeant who was thrown into the air during the encounter.
The chaotic incident unfolded in the Fordham section of the Bronx and resulted in multiple injuries, the hospitalization of several officers, and the arrest of the suspect.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives review the sequence of events that led to the officer-involved shooting.
License Plate Alert Leads Officers to Stolen Vehicle
According to NYPD officials, the incident began around 5:35 p.m. when a license plate reader alerted police to a stolen silver Kia Sport bearing New Jersey license plates.
The vehicle had reportedly been stolen the previous day.
Police initially detected the vehicle traveling through Washington Heights before receiving another alert indicating it had entered the Bronx.
Members of the NYPD Community Response Team then began tracking the vehicle while attempting to avoid alerting the driver.
Investigators said officers followed the Kia along East Fordham Road and watched as a passenger exited the vehicle before it came to a stop near a residential building.
Officers Surrounded Vehicle Before Situation Escalated
Authorities said six unmarked police vehicles moved in to contain the Kia once it stopped.
Officers exited their vehicles and ordered the driver to get out of the car. Instead, police allege the suspect attempted to escape.
According to officials, the driver first reversed into an unmarked police vehicle and then struck multiple officers who were positioned around the car.
The most serious injury occurred when a sergeant was allegedly hit by the vehicle and thrown into the air before landing on the roadway.
Police described the situation as rapidly evolving and dangerous as officers attempted to avoid being struck.
Officer Fires Weapon as Suspect Continues Attempted Escape
During the confrontation, authorities said one officer climbed onto an unmarked police vehicle to avoid being hit.
Officials stated that the officer then discharged a firearm as the suspect continued maneuvering the Kia while officers remained in close proximity.
Police said the shooting occurred while the driver was allegedly attempting to reverse and force his way out of the containment area.
The suspect was struck and subsequently taken into custody. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and transported several injured officers to local hospitals.
Officers and Suspect Expected to Recover
Authorities said the injured officers, including the sergeant who was struck by the vehicle, suffered injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.
All were reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was also listed in stable condition. Police have not yet publicly released the suspect’s identity.
Suspect Faces Multiple Charges
In addition to charges connected to Sunday’s incident, authorities said the suspect is also facing other felony allegations.
According to police, the individual has been charged with offenses including felony assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a firearm in connection with a separate shooting incident that reportedly occurred in the neighborhood earlier this year.
Investigators said the suspect is accused of shooting a man during a February incident.
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The NYPD also temporarily advised residents to avoid portions of East Fordham Road as investigators processed the scene and managed heavy traffic in the area.
Investigation Continues
Detectives are continuing to review evidence, witness statements, and body camera footage to determine the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
Officer-involved shootings are routinely reviewed by internal investigators and other oversight agencies as part of the department’s standard procedures.
As investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, authorities say additional information could be released in the coming days.
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