QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz recently announced that Devin Spraggins, 22, of Jamaica, was indicted by a grand jury and arraigned on charges including two counts of attempted murder in the first degree, in connection with the April 5 confrontation with NYPD officers in which rookie Officer Brett Boller was shot. If convicted, Spraggins faces up to 40 years to life in prison for each charge of attempted murder in the first degree.
Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder ordered Spraggins to return to court on June 5.
According to the charges, on April 5, Spraggins punched a fellow passenger on an MTA bus in Queens. When NYPD officers responded to the scene, Spraggins pointed a 9mm handgun at Officer Boller and fired multiple shots, striking the officer in the arm and lower back.
Despite his injuries, Officer Boller returned fire, striking Spraggins in the torso. Both Spraggins and Officer Boller were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Spraggins was on parole for a previous weapons-related offense. The incident has raised concerns over the parole system and the early release of potentially dangerous individuals. District Attorney Katz emphasized the need for continued vigilance in ensuring the safety of both law enforcement officers and the public.
In addition to the attempted murder charges, Spraggins was also indicted on charges of assault in the first degree, criminal use of a firearm in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and menacing a police officer.