NEW YORK, NY – A New York City Police Officer was shot by a teenager Tuesday night who had a rap sheet that included multiple gun charges. Those charges include possession of a gun at 14-years-old and discharging a firearm in December.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said there’s a clear message on the streets of New York City that it’s ok for teens and criminals to carry guns.
The end result of the city’s relaxed criminal prosecution efforts was a cop shot in the leg during an altercation with the armed teen at 2356 Lorillard Place near 3rd avenue in the Belmont section of the Bronx.
The 16-year-old teen was also struck by his own bullet.
“We are making tactical errors on preventing the law enforcement community from being to rid our communities of guns,” Mayor Adams said. “That’s unacceptable. There’s a clear signal on the streets that it’s alright to carry a gun in the city of New York.”
Police were dispatched to disperse a large crowd that had gathered and one person refused to take his hands out of his pocket. The officer struggled with the suspect and the firearm discharged penetrating the suspect’s groin area and hitting the officer in the leg.
The gun used was stolen from North Carolina last year and police said the teen is a member of the Crips street gang.