New details emerge in shooting of off-duty NYPD officer in Brooklyn
EAST NEW YORK, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Police have released more information about the off-duty NYPD officer who was shot during an attempted robbery in Brooklyn.
The incident happened at around 7 p.m. Saturday on Ruby Street near Linden Boulevard.
Officials say the 26-year-old officer, who is from Deer Park, went with his brother-in-law to buy a car he arranged to pick up through Facebook Marketplace. The suspect immediately announced the robbery and pulled out a gun.
Officials say the off-duty officer also pulled out a gun and shots were exchanged. The off-duty officer was struck in the head.
After the off-duty officer was shot, his brother-in-law picked up his gun and continued firing. The brother-in-law was not struck by gunfire.
It is unclear whether the gunman was also struck by gunfire.
Officials say the off-duty officer is in critical condition at Brookdale Hospital. He has been with the force since 2017, serving the 66th precinct in Borough Park.
A community came together to pray for the officer on Sunday night with a candlelight vigil.
Detectives are tracing the suspect's arrangement through Facebook. They believe the suspect, who remains at large, may be responsible for similar robberies.
Officials say they are specifically looking at a robbery of $18,000 on January 13 that took place on the same street.
In Saturday's robbery attempt, the off-duty officer brought $24,000 to purchase the car.
Officials say there is no information that leads them to believe the suspect knew the victim was an off-duty officer.
Detectives from the NYPD have been joined by federal agents on the investigation.
The identity of the officer has not yet been released, but Mayor Adams said he spoke to the officer's wife and children.
"Far too often I've stood at hospitals. On one side, the police commissioner -- on another, the rooms where family members are mourning. And then that same sound -- 'tell me it's not true. Please tell me it's not true," said Adams.
A prayer vigil will be held on Sunday evening for the officer's recovery.
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