NYPD Officer Cronin back in court facing attempted murder charges

NEW YORK (WABC) -- An NYPD officer facing attempted murder charges was back in court Thursday.

Lawyers for Brendan Cronin handed over findings from their psychological evaluation.

Cronin is accused of opening fire on a stopped car while he was off-duty.

Cronin is charged with attempted murder for firing 14 shots at a car stopped at a traffic light in Pelham in April 2014. Six of those shots hit Joseph Felice who nearly died.

The District Attorney will have their experts evaluate Cronin as well. The next court date is set for April 9th.

The victim was heard from the first time also, saying he still has a bullet lodged in his chest, a constant reminder of what happened, and said his hand had to be rebuilt.

"The fact that I am standing here is a miracle," said Felice. "I recall lying on the trauma room table, standing up at the bright light and screaming, you have to save me."

Rob Borelli wasn't hit, and drove Felice to the hospital. "I'd much rather see him here breaking down, because that means he's alive and we can go forward from here," said Borelli.

The bizarre shooting happened after Officer Cronin had spent the day doing drills on vehicle stops while at a nearby NYPD training facility.

Afterward, while off-duty, he went out for drinks, and allegedly got kicked out of a City Island bar for fighting.

Shortly after, according to prosecutors, Cronin got out of his parked car and started blasting away at Felice and his friend who had just pulled up to the light on their way from playing hockey. Prosecutors say Cronin told police he drank whiskey and beer that night.

Officer Cronin apparently told prosecutors that he doesn't remember firing his weapon, suggesting he blacked out.

His lawyer submitted the findings from the psychological report as it prepares for what might be a 'blackout defense'.

"We look forward to a trial in this case, because we think that the blackout defense is just that, an attempt to black out what happened, and not take responsibility for what he did," said Randolph McLaughlin, the victim's civil attorney.

There was no comment from Cronin or his attorney as they left court Thursday. But Joe Felice and his wife had plenty to say about the accused officer.

"He committed a heinous crime against us that we are still suffering from today, and he is out free," said the victim's wife, Patricia Sclafani.

"There are not enough words to describe and explain the pain, the suffering, the fear and the incredible trauma that you have caused me and my family during the last ten months," said Felice.