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2nd Suspect Charged With Murder in NYPD Cop’s Death


A second suspect has been charged with murder in the friendly fire death of a New York City police detective.

Police announced charges of murder, robbery, assault and criminal possession of a weapon on Saturday against 25-year-old Jagger Freeman.

Police believe Freeman acted as the lookout in the Queens robbery that led to the death of Detective Brian Simonsen on Tuesday.

Simonsen was hit by crossfire as he and six other officers fired 42 shots at robbery suspect Christopher Ransom.

Police say Ransom charged at the officers pointing a fake handgun.

Ransom was arraigned Friday by video from his hospital bed on murder, manslaughter and other charges. He pleaded not guilty.

Freeman was awaiting arraignment Saturday. It’s not clear if he has an attorney who can speak for him.

Ransom faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

The Legal Aid Society, which represents Ransom, cautioned people not to “demonize” him.

“The loss of life and the serious injuries suffered by all are tragic,” the an indigent defense organization said in a statement. “But we ask the public to respect Mr. Ransom’s right to due process and a presumption of innocence.”

Ransom, 27, has a long rap sheet and a habit of bizarre stunts, styling himself on social media as a comedian and prankster.

Ransom has been arrested at least 11 times since 2012, records show, and he was wanted by police in connection with a Jan. 19 robbery at another cellphone store. After one arrest, court papers show, Ransom was taken to a psychiatric ward.

Ransom pleaded guilty to criminal trespass and was sentenced to 20 days in jail in 2016 after allegedly climbing over a gate and walking up to a desk at a Brooklyn police station while wearing a fake SWAT vest and police badge. Police records listed his alias as “Detective.”

Four years earlier, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to jail time for pretending to be an intern to gain access to a judge’s chambers.

A funeral for Simonsen, a 19-year veteran of the NYPD, is scheduled for Wednesday in Hampton Bays on Long Island, with viewings on Monday and Tuesday.

(AP)



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