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NYPD Officer Shot And Killed During Burglary In Cypress Hills

Red Tape Allowed Suspect To Be Released On Prior, Skip Arraignment In NYC

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Officer Peter Figoski, left (credit: Handout); Suspected gunman Lamont Pride in a 2009 mugshot (credit: Handout/Guilford County Sheriff’s Office)

Officer Peter Figoski, left (credit: Handout); Suspected gunman Lamont Pride in a 2009 mugshot (credit: Handout/Guilford County Sheriff’s Office)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A manhunt continued Monday night for the second suspect involved in the deadly shooting of a New York City police officer earlier in the morning.  New details also emerged suggesting that the alleged  gunman should have been in jail weeks ago.

Investigators said Officer Peter Figoski, 47, was shot in the face while responding to a gunpoint robbery around 2:15 a.m. Monday at a basement apartment on Pine Street in Cypress Hills.  After being rushed to Jamaica Hospital, Figoski died a few hours later.

1010 WINS’ Terry Sheridan reports


Police said Figoski’s partner, Glenn Estrada, chased the alleged gunman, identified as 27-year-old Lamont Pride, of Coney Island, and arrested him.  As of Monday night, authorities had still not finalized charges against Pride.

Multiple reports say that Pride was released by a judge on $2,500 bail following a drug arrest in Coney Island last month, even though the judge knew of the outstanding warrant.

It turns out the suspected gunman got out due to court red tape. Extradition was limited to only North Carolina and by the time the state upgraded the warrant nationwide, Pride had been released, had skipped his arraignment in New York and was on the loose, CBS 2′ s Derricke Dennis reported.

A second man, described as a Hispanic male in his mid-20s wearing a grey, hooded sweatshirt and white pants, is still at large.

Officials would only describe him as a person of interest and released a surveillance video — taken from a nearby deli — showing an individual they would like to speak with.

Meanwhile, police said Pride is a career criminal and has five unsealed prior arrests, including several for drug possession and sale. He was wanted on an outstanding warrant for aggravated assault in North Carolina.

Police spent hours Monday scouring the neighborhood and searching for the gunman’s accomplice, CBS 2′s Tony Aiello reported. Authorities also said they were talking to witnesses at the scene.

WCBS 880′s Sean Adams On The Story


The organization COP SHOT, which stands for Citizens Outraged at Police Being Shot, is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the second suspect.

The two suspects were apparently hiding in a side room as the officers arrived and were trying to flee through the rear of the building.  They hid in a side room as first responders walked past them, authorities said.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said that is when Pride ran out the front door, saw Figoski and shot him once in the face.

The bullet traveled to the back of his neck and severed his spinal cord. Figoski was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:17 a.m.

1010 WINS’ Mona Rivera with stunned neighbors


Estrada sustained a shoulder injury after chasing Pride to the corner of Chestnut and Fulton streets, tackling him and taking him into custody.

“I want to commend Officer Estrada, who had the presence of mind to focus on the man with the gun, and the courage to chase him down and capture him,” Kelly said.

The 25-year-old tenant of the basement apartment said Pride and the other suspect knocked on his door and claimed to be police officers before demanding money and jewelry. Police said the suspects stole a watch and $770 cash.

Police are investigating whether some of the stolen cash was drug money.

1010 WINS’ Juliet Papa reports


Police said the tenant was knocked down and struck in the head with a firearm. He is being treated at Brookdale Hospital for head injuries.

queens 20111212 00148 NYPD Officer Shot And Killed During Burglary In Cypress Hills

Officers Salute Fellow Officer Killed In Brooklyn (credit: Kristin Thorne CBS 2)

A 9mm Ruger semi-automatic pistol was recovered under a parked car on Chestnut Street, Commissioner Kelly said.

“It appears that one round had been discharged from the weapon,” Kelly said in a statement.

Police also found a revolver stashed in a microwave at the apartment. Police believe it belongs to the second suspect.

WCBS 880′s Rich Lamb With Mayor Bloomberg


Figoski, a 22-year veteran of the force, had more than 200 arrests. He was awarded 12 medals, including eight for exceptional police duty.

Figoski could have retired two years ago with a full pension, but chose to stay on the force. On Monday, hundreds of his brothers in blue formed a somber wall of grief at Jamaica Hospital  as city leaders struggled to find the right words, CBS 2′s Kathryn Brown reported.

“I’m the father of two myself and having to tell kids of any age what happened to their father or mother — without a doubt — is the hardest thing any mayor ever has to do,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

Shawn Johnston, a fellow NYPD officer, was shaken to the core by Figoski’s death.

“He did his job and it’s the ultimate sacrifice for doing the job,” Johnston said.

PBA president Patrick J. Lynch issued a statement saying, “Police Officer Peter Figoski spent his entire career patrolling the streets of East New York and serving its citizens with respect and dignity.  Now it is time for all of his fellow officers and the people he dedicated his life to protecting to return that respect by keeping the Figoski family in their thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.”

Figoski leaves behind four daughters – Carolyn, 16, and Corrine, 14, who are in high school, and Christine, 20, and Caitlyn, 18, who are in college — and comes from a family of police officers.

News of his death shocked Figoski’s neighbors in West Babylon, where he was known as a great family man and devoted father.

“He was a wonderful man, always taking care of his yard after a long day of work and helping out if I needed anything,” Helen Krebs said.

figoski NYPD Officer Shot And Killed During Burglary In Cypress Hills

Officer Peter Figoski with his four daughters Caitlyn, Corinne, Caroline, Christine. (credit: Facebook)

“It’s horrible anytime, but especially this time of the year. Every Christmas…this has to be a reminder,” neighbor Joe DiPietro said.

Figoski is the second officer to die in the line of duty this year. In March, Alain Schaberger was killed responding to a domestic violence call in Brooklyn. He fell nine feet off a stoop and broke his neck.

The man accused of pushing him has pleaded not guilty to murder.

Please offer your thoughts in the comments section below.

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  • Ben Enjerry

    I feel for his daughters and his wife. This time of year is supposed to be a joyous time. Instead it will always be a season remembered for tragedy and sorrow for this one particular family. My prayers go out to them to give them strength.

  • JasonS

    You should have been drowned in a bucket at birth, you sub-human piece of dog excrement. I hope your mother gets shot in the face.

  • Kris

    Kris- Two words….Flash mobs!!!!!!! Who’s doing them and are they for a good cause or to violently rob a store?????

  • Squid

    It’s amazing that so much focus is being placed on the color of the perps and the officer. A POLICE officer was murdered, in the line of duty, you know, one of those men and women that go around putting their lives on the line so you can live yours without fear, protecting the weak and innocent. Yeah, those guys should get some respect and the dont forget this man has a family, who is dealing with the loss of a husband, father, son, friend, brother,etc. He was human just like the rest of us. Rest in peace Officer and may your family find some peace amid all the chaos and SOMEONE find the SOB who shot him and bring justice around.

  • Ann Mason

    I’ve read different versions of the story on why the suspect was wandering freely in New York when there was a warrant for his arrest in another state. This should be investigated, and the news media should follow up. It’s possible this tragedy could have been avoided, and if mistakes were made those mistakes should be understood so they aren’t repeated. My heart goes out to this officer’s family.

  • Soap

    I only wish his partner would of shot the guys groin off. One at a time. Then give the pieces to the other guy when they catch him.

    • joanne

      They should have shot that animal dead on the spot so tax payers would not have to pay for his trial and the world would have been rid of trash so he can’t hurt anyone else again.

  • Kris

    I agree with NYGIRL! I have nothing but love in my heart for all races including African Americans….however there is a ‘type’ of Black person who is committing 98% of the crime. Racist? Try reality. Watch the evening news!
    Do you see Asians, American Indians, Orthodox Jews or Gays for that matter on the news EVERY night for killing and armed robbery?
    They are uneducated ( and do not wish to become educated), hateful barbarians who are the MOST racist of anyone! They use and play the race card in their own defense. TRUTH does hurt. So does murdering a man of the law with a family! Oh…and yeah….where is Al Sharpton? He is the BIGGEST racist of them all!

    • Soap

      Rite on Kris, I feel the same

    • Lily

      Kris I you hit the note on every word you wrote !!

    • UNCLE TOM

      AND ON TOP OF THAT THEY SMELL

  • jp

    It is a disgrace to be part of the human race with all of your racist comments.
    Each one of you racists should rot it hell….nah, probably to good for you

    • Lily

      Oh stop being so dramatic!!

      • D

        THey’re not racist, it’s the truth and you can’t accept it!

        • Lily

          Exactly D!! At the end of the day the truth hurts lol

  • mike

    R.I.P Pete

  • John Marin

    Hispanic is an European who speaks the language of Spain (Hispania). How can they then determine that the second suspect is Hispanic? The United States media is an exercise in the art of bamboosling the illiterate.

    • BROCCOLI ROB

      they should have just said ”SPIC”

    • Ben Enjerry

      Actually, it occurred long before the U.S. media put finger to typewriter. The term is here to stay.

  • BEOS

    SHUT YOUR MOUTH. GO BE A SLUG FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! WAIT YOU ALREADY ARE. GO GET A JOB AND STOP LOOKING FOR A HANDOUT!!!

  • capt bill’s daughter

    my deepest condolences to officer figoski’s widow and daughters. my dad was nypd for 30+ yrs. i grew up in the neighborhood he and his partner served. the criminal justice system needs to be seriously ramped up to protect the people. this lowlife had a long history. time for 3 strikes and you’re in for life. unless of course, you’re involved in capital murder, then there should be a statute of limitation of 2 yrs for an appeal. to the perp’s escaped partner – hear that clock in your head? tick, tick, tick. the sand in your hourglass is running, and you will be caught. hope officer estrada will recover from his injury quickly. to those who know the escapee, drop a dime, he is not worthy of being free. my sympathies to my extended family of the long blue line in the 75 tonight. i’m sure a mass will be offered at blessed sacrament. rest in peace officer, final roll call answered. justice for the victim!

  • sluggo

    Get rid of blogs.

  • 757

    using this crime to justify your already present hatred of black people is quite obvious, but detracts from the story….this officer lost his life and leaves behind a family and comrades. its disgusting that hes dead and over a petty crime, PERIOD. we as people of color watch the actions of the so called majorities, never met with any consequences, only impunity. when an officer kills a person of color, no chants for justice or death penalty for that officer leaves your mouths, so lets just keep it that way and cherish and honor the memory of this fallen officer. and this is directed to you cowards that talk tough about what you would’ve done if you were in situations where a white person were confronted by a person of color in an adverse situtation. heres a remedy, join a law enforcement service or the armed forces since you feel the need to protect your race. otherwise. stfu and salute this man who lost his life protecting people

  • Fritz Von

    No such thing as a bad neighborhood, just bad neighbors.

  • C

    How many blacks are killing other blacks? lots of violence in this country

  • Twang

    Spell much?

  • Mr Clean

    Does Jimmy Ellis use toilet paper?

    • Dr. Seuss

      No, he just uses his fingers and then licks them clean.

  • Jimmy Ellis

    ENOUGH OF YOU RACIST POS! A Cop is death. A family loss a father, husband, son, brother. This POS criminal who shot him will pay the price. I’m sure even now he has been beaten so bad, that now he looks nothing like the picture above. Condolence to the family. CBS – When the hell are you going to police your board of this racist trash? Do you condone this CBS?

    • Joe Schmo

      Not necessarily racist when it is true.

      And what about anti-white comments? Could those be considered racist as well?

    • Jimmy Ellis

      Why would you do this? You have slandered my name. I will copy this page, forward it to my lawyer and have a judge force CBS to reveal your name and address. Have you no understanding of how the law works. I own you now!

  • IK

    Shame on those people who mix with dirt people who died. Specially when person had died protecting other people.

    • Jimmy Ellis

      What?

      • Jellis

        Who?

  • NYGirl

    And they wonder why cops make comments on Facebook, which of course the libs will call racist, but in actuality it is called TRUTH. I would like anyone who is NOT A COP to go visit Bushwick, East New York and other ghetto neighborhoods throughout our five boroughs and see how comfortable and safe you feel walking the street. It’s almost like you left the planet and ended up in a horror story. Sorry, but TRUTH hurts and until people start admitting truth, it’s just going to be same ole, same ole. No more guns for these savages!

    • Jimmy Ellis

      Thank you idiot girl for your version of what truth is. What savages do you refer too? Poor people? Black People? What? Seems there are 10 times the amount of WHITE cops killers than black cops killer, idiot girl. That’s the truth idiot girl.

      • NYGirl

        yea, right, I’m an idiot, unfortunately your the idiot that can’t see truth. There are plenty of people who are poor that don’t act like the people in those neighborhoods

    • 757

      was David Laffer a SAVAGE when he shot 8 innocent people in that pharmacy in Medford,Long Island in June? don’t use this crime to veil or justify your hatred.

      • Al

        Yes, David Laffer WAS a savage. As is Lamont Pride. “Savage” is how one acts, not the ethnicity of a bloodline

    • Ann Mason

      I hope this tragedy will not become a point of reference in our conversations of police misconduct. An officer has been killed in the line of duty, and it would be disrespectful to associate his misfortune with the bad behavior of others.

    • Ben Enjerry

      How do you propose to keep guns out of their hands? No one in NYC is allowed a handgun. How do they get them??????

  • MULTICULTURALISM SUX

    Right on to xxxxxxxxxxxxx !!!!!!

  • Jimmy Ellis

    Your mother should have slain you at birth.

    • Shelley

      What?

  • The Good Samaritan

    The suspect first name is Lamont. Most people with that first name have been arrested at least once in their life. Condolences to the officers family.

    The Good Samaritan is outraged that this suspect was not in jail and has spoken.

  • Philip F Clark

    All of you……please just stop it! God bless the cop; and God be with the men who robbed that tenant. Anger does not change a person’s color. FIVE lives were changed in this situation. Four of them are lucky to be able to think about how. Hatred is easy. Love is hard.

    • Huh?

      oh shut up

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