NYPD Officer Shot While Sleeping Released from Upper East Side Hospital

MANHATTAN – Lots of salutes and thundering applause Sunday afternoon, as an NYPD officer who was struck by a bullet while sleeping in his car between shifts, was released from New York-Presbyterian Hospital on the Upper East Side to cheers from fellow officers— the injury to the back of the officer’s head visible as he stood from a wheelchair and made his way into a waiting police vehicle, greeted by Mayor Eric Adams.

Wounded officer leaves New York-Presbyterian Hospital after being struck by bullet/Oliya Scootercaster, FNTV

“It’s so important to us that the family is safe. It’s crucial,” Mayor Adams told reporters Sunday afternoon.

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“But, here’s the promise— we’re going to get the shooter. that’s the ending of this one.”

Shattered rear window of wounded officer's car/Daniel Valls, FNTV — Shattered rear window of wounded officer’s car/Daniel Valls, FNTV

Early Saturday morning, investigators say the off-duty officer was sleeping between shifts, resting in his parked car in the NYPD 25th Precinct’s police parking lot on 119th Street and Park Avenue in East Harlem when he woke to find his car’s rear window shattered and pain in his head.

NYPD officer's head wound visible as he leaves hospital/Oliya Scootercaster, FNTV — NYPD officer’s head wound visible as he leaves hospital/Oliya Scootercaster, FNTV

Police say the seven year veteran officer was bleeding from the head as walked he sought help in the station house— and stopped by a Sergeant who saw the wound, gave the injured officer aid and was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Hospital for surgery— where police say he was diagnosed with a fractured skull.

Bullet found inside shot NYPD officer's car/NYPD Crime Stoppers — Bullet found inside shot NYPD officer’s car/NYPD Crime Stoppers

NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said Saturday there were no 911 calls for gunfire in that area of East Harlem at the time the officer was struck, and officers stationed outside the 25th Precinct station house didn’t hear any shots fired either.

Mayor Adam's gives wounded officer a thumbs up outside New York-Presbyterial Hospital/Oliya Scootercaster, FNTV — Mayor Adam’s gives wounded officer a thumbs up outside New York-Presbyterial Hospital/Oliya Scootercaster, FNTV

“We are grateful that our officer is recovering, as we know this could have been a very tragic outcome,” Commissioner Sewell said.

Officers gather outside New York-Presbyterian Hospital where wounded officer was treated/Oliya Scootercaster, FNTV

“We’re gonna get this shooter,” Mayor Adams told reporters assembled outside New York Presbyterian Hospital on the Upper East Side today, “and we’re gonna get the shooters in this our City.

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“Families shouldn’t have to go through this. We want this guy caught,” the Mayor added.

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