An off-duty New York Police Department (NYPD) officer from Boro Park’s 66 Precinct, was critically injured in a shooting incident that took place in Brooklyn on Saturday evening. The incident, which occurred near Ruby Street and Linden Boulevard around 7 p.m., appears to have been an attempted robbery during a vehicle purchase.

The off-duty NYPD officer and a relative went to Ruby Street near Linden Boulevard after making arrangements on social media to buy a car. When they arrived, police say the suspect “almost immediately” pulled out a gun and announced a robbery. Police say there was an exchange of gunfire and the off-duty officer was shot. The suspect then fled.

During a press conference at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences and called for the person responsible to be removed from the streets. Adams also pointed out that shootings like these are too common in the city, as there are too many illegal guns in the hands of dangerous individuals.

NYPD Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said that the officer had coordinated the vehicle purchase over social media and had gone to the meeting with a family member. The officer was shot during an exchange of gunfire with the suspect.

Patrick Lynch, the president of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, spoke at the press conference and expressed his frustration with politicians for living in a fantasy world and not taking enough action to stop attacks on police officers. He asked for the public’s help in bringing the suspect to justice.

The injured officer’s identity has not been disclosed, but Mayor Adams said he had met with the officer’s wife and children and was keeping them in his prayers.

The NYPD has asked for the public’s assistance in locating the suspect and has emphasized that the shooting is under investigation.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)