Man who shot cop on Long Island sentenced to 30 years

NEW HYDE PARK (WABC) -- A man who shot a Nassau County police officer in 2013 was sentenced to 30 years in prison as part of a plea deal Tuesday.

Cong Xu was initially charged with attempted murder after he shot Officer Mohit Arora during a burglary in New Hyde Park, but he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of first-degree assault and burglary.

"He got what he deserved, and I just want to move on with my life at this time," Arora said after the sentencing. "I'm just fortunate to be alive. It was a traumatic experience, and I learned a lot from this."

Xu also faces deportation, as he is not a US citizen.

"I'm glad that this sentence sends a very strong message that we will not tolerate this kind of violence against our police officers and our citizens in Nassau County," acting District Attorney Madeline Singas said.

Xu had planned to read a statement in court, but he decided he was quote too frightened to read it in front of Arora. His attorney summed up that Xu offers his deepest apologies for what he did.

"He wishes that he could apologize to the officer in person, but I don't think the police were receptive to that," lawyer Scott Tulman said back when Xu pleaded guilty. "So there's nothing more we can do. He shows his remorse by the plea that he took."

The shooting happened back in August of 2013, on Campbell Street just after 2 a.m. Police got a 911 call from two residents of the home - a man and a woman - saying there was an intruder in their house possibly attempting to steal things.

Authorities say Xu appeared ready to surrender, but then suddenly opened fire on responding officers.

Arora, then 32, was shot in the groin as he approached the home.

"The police officer thought the subject was going to surrender," Nassau County Police Lieutenant Detective John Azzata said at the time. "The subject didn't surrender, but quickly turned and fired upon the police officer, striking him in the hip."

Arora was rushed to North Shore LIJ Hospital by police cruiser before being transferred to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, where he underwent successful surgery. Arora had been a Nassau officer for six years at the time.

"Mohit Arora is the true hero here," acting Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter said. "He did a great job, along with the other members of the Nassau County Police Department."

Arora also spoke after the suspect's plea.

"I learned a lot from this incident," he said. "A police officer is a very dangerous job. A lot of officers got killed doing this job. And me and my family have suffered a lot, and I want to leave this bad dream behind me and move on to better things."

Arora is back on full duty, though he still has some rehab.

"I think that this sends a strong message to everyone who wants to commit a crime here in Nassau County," Nassau PBA head James Carver said. "If you come to Nassau County and you commit a crime, we're going to catch you and put you behind bars for a very long time."