Teen Charged With Paralyzing NYPD Officer Found Not Guilty Of Attempted Murder
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A jury has found the a teen accused of dragging an NYPD officer with a stolen car last year in Brooklyn not guilty of trying to murder him.
More: 'I Have To Forgive:' Wife Of NYPD Detective Nearly Dragged To His Death Speaks Out
Justin Murrell, 16, was found not guilty of attempted murder charges stemming from the June 2017 incident on Monday.
Murrell was convicted of first-degree assault in the case.
Authorities said Officer Dalsh Veve was looking into reports of gunfire in East Flatbush when he spotted Murrell behind the wheel of a stolen car, with three other teens inside.
When Veve attempted to stop the car, Murrell allegedly took off, dragging the officer for several blocks.
Watch: Det. Dalsh Veve Leaves Rehab Facility Surrounded By Family
Veve suffered brain damage and spent weeks in a medically induced coma.
The nine-year veteran, who has since been promoted to detective, was released from a rehab facility in May.
Police said Murrell, who was 15 at the time, had 11 prior arrests. The teen will be sentenced in January and only faces up to 10 years in prison because he was less than 16 years old at the time of the incident.