NYPD Detective Recovering After Being Shot In Head, Possibly By BB Gun
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An investigation is underway in Queens after an NYPD detective was shot in the forehead, possibly by a BB gun.
The detective, who was not seriously hurt, is out of the hospital but the incident triggered a massive police response.
It all unfolded just after 5 p.m. Wednesday. Police said a plain-clothes detective was driving an unmarked car with a plainclothes sergeant in the passenger seat. They were on patrol and about to turn left on 168th Street when the shooting happened.
"They heard a loud popping sound coming from the driver's side of the vehicle," said NYPD Chief David Barrere. "The officer on the passenger side observed her partner bleeding from the forehead."
Police said the driver's side window was open. They believe he was struck by a BB or pellet gun, perhaps fired from a passing vehicle.
The injured officer was taken to Jamaica Hospital Center for treatment, 1010 WINS' John Montone reported.
"X-rays and CAT scan reveal there is a foreign projectile lodged in his forehead," Barrere said.
Investigators flooded the area searching for any clues and more than a dozen MTA buses were held at the scene.
"My employee, he shout, 'something going on.'We came out and see everything shut down," said merchant Vishal Puri.
Police are hoping their surveillance cameras and others in the area may have captured something that can help. Officials believe the suspect may have shot from a passing car.
The detective is home recovering.
The group COP SHOT, an acronym for Citizens Outraged at Police Being Shot, is offering a $10,00 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
