NYPD Officer Fires on Repeat Felon After Violent Attack With Stolen Vehicle

Clear Facts

• NYPD officer shot a driver attempting to flee in a stolen Kia Sportage after the suspect struck multiple officers with the vehicle
• The suspect was previously arrested in February for shooting another man and charged with multiple felonies including attempted assault and illegal firearm possession
• Both the suspect and injured officers were hospitalized in stable condition; charges against the driver are pending

A New York City Police Department officer shot a repeat felon Sunday after the suspect used a stolen vehicle to assault multiple officers while attempting to escape arrest in the Bronx.

The silver Kia Sportage had been reported stolen and was tracked through license plate readers before officers located it traveling along West Fordham Road. When police attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused repeated orders to exit the vehicle.

What followed was a violent confrontation that left multiple officers injured. The driver allegedly reversed the stolen car, striking several officers and an unmarked police vehicle before shifting into drive and deliberately targeting additional law enforcement personnel.

“As members of the NYPD were around the car, the driver of the stolen vehicle put the car into reverse, hitting one member, hitting one of the unmarked vehicles, and ultimately hitting … multiple members of the NYPD. He then put the Kia into drive and turned the wheels of the Kia to the right, where Sergeant was standing. He drove the car into the sergeant who was thrown to the ground,”

said Aneudy Castillo, assistant chief and commanding officer of Patrol Borough Bronx North.

As the driver continued his violent attempt to flee, an officer positioned on top of a nearby vehicle opened fire, striking the suspect. The driver was transported to Saint Barnabas Hospital in stable condition.

All officers involved in the incident were also taken to local hospitals for treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

The incident was captured on police body-worn camera footage and remains under active investigation. Charges against the driver are pending.

The suspect’s criminal history raises serious questions about New York’s criminal justice policies. Police confirmed the same individual was arrested just months earlier in February for shooting another man.

He was charged with multiple felonies at that time, including attempted felony assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a firearm. Despite these serious charges, he was back on the streets and allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle assaulting police officers.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces when repeat offenders are released back into communities before facing consequences for violent crimes. The officers involved demonstrated restraint under extreme circumstances, with lethal force only deployed after the suspect used the vehicle as a weapon against multiple members of the NYPD.

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