NYPD detective shot in the face with possible BB gun in Queens

JAMAICA, Queens (WABC) -- An NYPD detective was shot in the face, possibly with a BB pellet, in Queens Wednesday afternoon.

It happened at about 5:15 p.m. near Jamaica Avenue and 168th Street in Jamaica.

An on-duty plainclothes detective was driving an unmarked vehicle with a police sergeant as passenger, when they heard a popping sound.

They were stopped at the light on patrol with the windows open when the detective's partner realized the detective was bleeding from his forehead. She got out, helped him and called for backup.

He was struck with a metal projectile, possibly a BB pellet and suffered a small laceration to his forehead.

Additional officers drove him to Jamaica Hospital Center. He has been released and is resting at home.

"At this point the injury is a puncture wound to his forehead, and X-rays and cat scan reveal there is a foreign projectile in his forehead," said NYPD Assistant Chief David Barrere. "At this point doctors do not find it advisable to remove it."

It is not yet known where the projectile came from or who may have shot it.

Officers are checking cameras in the area.