According to investigators, 32-year-old Raul Nunez tried to "fare beat" by using a student Metro card.
When the plain clothes officers identified themselves and tried to handcuff Nunez, a struggle began.
Witnesses said all three fell to the ground. One of the officers' guns also came loose.
"Nunez grabbed it and fired at both officers while they were still on the ground," Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said.
Nunez, 28, then tried to run, but a third officer, Lieutenant Gary Abrahall, confronted him at the top of the escalator. Nunez fired three shots at Abrahall, officials said. Abrahall fired back six times, hitting Nunez four times. Abrahall was not wounded.
The two wounded officers were identified as Shane Farina, a four-year-veteran, and Jason Maass, a two-year veteran.
Farina, 38, was shot in the stomach. He was listed in critical but stable condition following surgery at Elmhurst General Hospital.
Mayor Bloomberg said doctors were optimistic that he would make a full recovery, but he added that Farina was "not out of the woods yet."
Farina has been recognized five times for excellent police duty and meritorious service during his career.
Officer Maass, 28, was shot in the leg. He is expected to be released from the hospital on Wednesday.
Both officers were wearing bullet-resistant vests.
Nunez was taken to Bellevue Hospital. He was listed in stable condition.
He has a prior record of drug arrests. Nunez spent some time in state prison before being deported to his native Dominican Republic in 2001.
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WEB PRODUCED BY: Bob Monek
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