Surveillance video captured the moment a suspect appeared to aim and fire at least one shot toward a passing SUV. The footage shows a visible muzzle flash as the weapon is discharged.
The vehicle, a Kia Sorento, sustained damage to the front and rear windshields as well as a rear passenger-side window.
According to authorities, several on-duty NYPD officers were inside the unmarked SUV at approximately 4:10 a.m. Sunday in Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighborhood. Residents near Nostrand Avenue and St. John's Place initially believed the sounds were related to Fourth of July celebrations.
One resident said, "Oh yeah, that's definitely gunfire, not firecrackers."
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the 18-year-old suspect approached the vehicle and officers got out of the SUV in an attempt to speak with him.
Authorities say three officers then opened fire. Investigators have not publicly detailed the circumstances that led to the officers discharging their weapons.
"We do not have body-worn camera video of the actual shooting incident, presumably because it happened so quickly and unexpectedly," Tisch said.
Police said officers activated their body cameras after the shooting began.
The suspect fled on foot and was eventually apprehended several blocks away. Authorities said officers used a Taser during the arrest.
During the incident, Detective Robert Carroll was struck in the back by a bullet. Officials said his ballistic vest prevented serious injury.
"His ballistic vest performed exactly as it was designed, and today that vest saved his life," Tisch said.
Video obtained by Eyewitness News shows the suspect, dressed in black with his face covered, inside a nearby store minutes before the shooting.
Additional surveillance footage appears to show the suspect leaving the store, running up the block, pulling out a firearm and pointing it toward another vehicle before concealing it beneath his clothing. He then returns toward the store and exits again.
Police said the suspect later approached another man walking nearby, pushed him and then fired a weapon. Authorities say that same firearm was recovered after the suspect's arrest.
Investigators allege the suspect then fired toward the SUV carrying the officers.
A child who witnessed the incident described the chaotic scene that followed.
"Shots, like five times. Then I looked from the window. There was a police officer. She ran and hid by the fruit stand over there," the witness said.
The officers involved were assigned to a holiday deployment focused on addressing ongoing gang violence in the area.
Detective Carroll is expected to recover.
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