Teen Charged with Trying to Murder a Cop

An officer was shot through the windshield of his unmarked police car in the Bronx.

By Dan Gesslein

Bronx Voice

January 17, 2023

BRONX - A teenager in the Bronx has been charged with trying to murder a police officer during an early morning shootout.

A 16-year-old male has been charged with attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon. The suspect’s name is being withheld because of his age.

At around 3 am on January 17, two officers in uniform from the 48th Precinct Public Safety Team, were driving an unmarked police car in the Belmont section of the Bronx. Police observed two males on the corner of E. 183rd Street and Prospect Avenue. When they drove up to investigate, shots rang out. 

A .32 caliber handgun recovered at the scene.

Investigators said a gunman fired at least six rounds from a .32 caliber handgun. One of the bullets ripped through the windshield of the unmarked police car and struck Officer Lee in the upper left arm as he sat in the passenger seat. The bullet narrowly missed “vital structures.” 

The officers hopped out of the car and returned fire. Even though he was wounded, Lee and his partner gave chase on foot.

“The police officer that was struck and shot still pursued the perpetrator,” said PBA President Pat Lynch.

About 100 yards away, one of the gunmen turned and opened fire. However, NYPD officials said upon investigating surveillance video it appears the gunman was not firing at cops. 

At a press conference at St. Barnabas Hospital, Lynch said the officer then threw his wounded partner in their car, and drove to the hospital while at the same time radioing in a description of the shooters. 

Responding officers from the 48th Precinct arrested a 16-year-old male at the scene and recovered a .32 caliber handgun on his person. Police recovered six shell casings at the scene. 

“This officer was doing his job. Part of the important team that has been the symbol to remove guns off the streets,” said Mayor Eric Adams at the press conference in the Bronx. “Too many young people have guns in their hands.” 

Police said two other suspects are being sought. 

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips. 

All calls are strictly confidential.