NYPD Officer, Suspect Wounded In Bedford-Stuyvesant Shootout

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A rookie cop and a suspect were hospitalized after both were wounded in a shootout in Brooklyn early Sunday morning, police said.

Around 2:30 a.m., police officers were chasing the suspect on foot on Gates Avenue near Marcus Garvey Boulevard in Bedford-Stuyvesant when police said 22-year-old Naim Owens pulled out a gun and fired on the officers.

A bullet grazed one officer's left thigh, authorities said. As the pursuit continued, Owens allegedly threw his weapon and was shot in the back, police told WCBS 880's Monica Miller.

Both the injured officer and Owens were transported to Kings County Hospital Center.

The officer, identified as John Hirschberger, was treated and released, Miller reported. Police said the 28-year-old was appointed less than a year ago.

Owens, of Brooklyn, was listed in serious but stable condition, Schuck reported. He was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder of a police officer, assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon, attempted assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless endangerment.

A sergeant and two additional police officers involved in the chase were brought to Jamaica Hospital for evaluation and tinnitus.

A .38-caliber handgun was recovered from the scene, police said.

An NYPD spokeswoman told Miller the chase started after three plainclothes officers saw the man with his hand over his waistband and a gun tucked in it. Two other cops joined in the pursuit.

Shawn, who lives nearby, told Miller he woke up to the sound of multiple gunshots.

"Probably close to 10," he said. "That's a lot, I'll be honest."

Another resident estimated he heard 14 or 15 shots.

Investigators were going door to door Sunday morning interviewing residents and store owners to see what they might have witnessed, Schuck reported.

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