Grand Jury Indicts Man In Shooting Of Suffolk County Police Officer
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A grand jury has indicted a Huntington Station man accused of shooting a Suffolk County police officer last week.
The indictment against Sheldon Leftenant, 22, was unsealed at criminal court in Riverhead on Friday.
Leftenant is charged with attempted aggravated murder of a police officer and resisting arrest in connection with the shooting of Officer Mark Collins. The grand jury added a weapons charge, 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported.
Leftenant pleaded not guilty to all charges and a judge ordered him to be held without bail.
Grand Jury Indicts Man Accused Of Shooting Suffolk County Officer
Collins was shot in the neck and hip during a chase and confrontation after a traffic stop in Huntington Station last Wednesday, police said.
Collins dragged himself behind a stoop for protection, while Leftenant kept running, CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported.
Police dogs tracked Leftenant and he was arrested about an hour later. His handgun was recovered by police from a backyard near the crime scene, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.
Collins, a 12-year veteran assigned to the Gang Unit in the 2nd Precinct, was released from the hospital last Sunday. He is undergoing physical therapy and is expected to recover fully.
"We know his survival was truly a miracle," Spota said.
Grand Jury Indicts Man In Shooting Of Suffolk County Police Officer
Spota revealed Friday that Leftenant fired four shots, two striking and virtually immobilizing the officer, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.
"He tried to draw his weapon, but he had lost the complete use of his right arm -- he's right handed -- and right leg. That's why he was actually crawling," Spota said.
Leftenant has a criminal history and is believed to be a member of the street gang known as the "Tip Top Boyz."
Spota said Leftenant admitted shooting and injuring the officer.
"He indicated to the detectives that he didn't care about a cop being shot, that he ran because he didn't want to get caught with the gun and he did what he had to do, 'I just wanted to get away,'" Spota said.
Leftenant faces 40 years to life in prison if convicted.
"If he is convicted, and the evidence I can tell you is overwhelming, there is no question in my mind that he will spend the rest of his life in prison where he belongs," Spota said.
