NYPD Officer Shoots Driver of Stolen Car in Bronx

A New York City Police Department officer shot a driver on Sunday as the individual tried to escape police after allegedly stealing a vehicle. The vehicle, a silver Kia Sportage, was reported stolen from the Bronx and tracked using license plate readers.

Officers located the car while it was moving along West Fordham Road. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, they directed the driver and passenger to exit.

“As members of the NYPD were around the car, the driver of the stolen vehicle put the car into reverse, hitting one member, hitting one of the unmarked vehicles, and ultimately hitting multiple members of the NYPD. He then put the Kia into drive and turned the wheels of the Kia to the right, where Sergeant was standing. He drove the car into the sergeant who was thrown to the ground,” said Aneudy Castillo, assistant chief and commanding officer of Patrol Borough Bronx North.

According to authorities, the driver reversed the vehicle, colliding with officers and an unmarked police car before moving forward and hitting another officer. As the driver persisted in leaving the scene, an officer on a nearby vehicle shot and hit the driver.

The driver was taken to Saint Barnabas Hospital and was reported in stable condition. The officers involved were also transported to local hospitals, where they remained stable.

Charges against the driver are pending. The incident was recorded by body-worn cameras and is still under investigation.

Police reported that the suspect was previously arrested in February for shooting another man, facing charges such as attempted felony assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a firearm.