NEW YORK — Police shot and injured a suspected graffiti artist Sunday morning after the man opened fire on officers, investigators said.
An NYPD sergeant and two officers were patrolling around 12:30 a.m. when they saw two people spray painting graffiti on the front of a building, WCBS reported.
When officers approached, the men took off running. Officers were able to catch up with one of the suspects but he pulled out a .22 caliber handgun and fired at least three shots. The officers shot back, striking the man multiple times.
He was taken to a hospital where he is in critical condition, WNBC reported.
“Tonight’s shooting underscores the dangers our brave cops face everyday as they keep the people in the city safe. Whether they are stopping someone who is making graffiti or responding to a known shooting. There are just way too many guns on the streets nowadays,” said Terence Monahan, NYPD chief of department.
The three officers involved were not injured.
Police are still searching for the other suspect.
Watch as @NYPDChiefofDept gives a preliminary update on this morning's police-involved shooting. pic.twitter.com/RHwLiMS7oP
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) February 21, 2021
Cox Media Group
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