Two NYPD officers were shot in two different incidents in less than 12 hours in the Bronx, police said, and a suspect is now in custody.
At around 8 a.m. Sunday, the alleged shooter, identified by police as Robert Williams, went into the 41st precinct office and opened fire, according to police. A lieutenant, who has not yet been identified, was shot in the arm.
Photo by Angie Hernandez Pena
The officer was able to shoot back, police said, but missed and the shooter hit a civilian and another officer instead, before he was apprehended by officers, Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said at a news conference later in the day.
Officials said that the suspect, Williams, is linked to another shooting that occurred last night in the same precinct. Saturday night, police officers said, two uniformed officers were attacked while parking an NYPD van in front of 906 Simpson Street in the Bronx.
The victim, Paul Stroffolini, a 15-year NYPD member was shot in the neck and the chin. He was taken to Lincoln Hospital Saturday night, but was discharged earlier Sunday.
Photo by Angie Hernandez Pena
As he left the hospital in a wheelchair, the right side of his neck covered, over 50 officers from the 41st precinct that had gathered outside of the hospital greeted him with applause.
The president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, the union for police officers, who was also on hand outside of the hospital, said that elected officials had to step out and give cops more support.
Photo by Angie Hernandez Pena
“It’s time to back up our police officers. “It’s time to open your mouth and say this must stop,” said Patrick Lynch, president of the association.
Straffolinl, who was accompanied by his family members, left the hospital in a black car, without making any comments. But several detectives and police officers stayed to answer questions about the two incidents.
“To NYPD officers, do what you are trained to do, stop the threat and protect yourself,” said Paul DiGiacomo, president of the Detectives’ Endowment Association, “and make sure you go home.”
Williams, who is in custody, has a long criminal history, according to Lynch and DiGiacomo.
