Three suspects were in custody Tuesday in connection with the shooting of two plainclothes police officers in New York City’s Bronx borough on Monday night, as the city reels from last month’s fatal shootings of two on-duty officers.
The alleged shooter, whose identity has not yet been released publicly, is one of the three men held in custody, CNN reports, citing an unnamed law enforcement official.
The two officers, Andrew Dossi, 30, and Aliro Pellerano, 38, were out of uniform at the time of the shooting Monday night and were among five “anti-crime officers” responding to a call about an armed robbery, NBC New York reported. Dossi is reportedly in critical condition following surgery, while Pellerano is in stable condition.
Witness the Bronx Crime Scene Where 2 NYPD Officers Were Shot
Police officers patrol the crime scene where two NYPD officers were shot in the Bronx borough of New York City, early on Jan. 6, 2014. David TorresInvestigators examine the crime scene where two NYPD officers were shot in the Bronx borough of New York City, early on Jan. 6, 2014. David TorresInvestigators examine the crime scene where two NYPD officers were shot in the Bronx borough of New York City, early on Jan. 6, 2014. David TorresInvestigators examine the crime scene where two NYPD officers were shot in the Bronx borough of New York City, early on Jan. 6, 2014. David TorresA crashed vehicle near the crime scene where two NYPD officers were shot in the Bronx borough of New York City, early on Jan. 6, 2014. David TorresInvestigators examine the crime scene where two NYPD officers were shot in the Bronx borough of New York City, early on Jan. 6, 2014. David TorresPolice officers patrol the crime scene where two NYPD officers were shot in the Bronx borough of New York City, early on Jan. 6, 2014. David TorresInvestigators examine the crime scene where two NYPD officers were shot in the Bronx borough of New York City, early on Jan. 6, 2014. David Torres
Mayor Bill de Blasio held a joint news conference with New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton early Tuesday morning, praising the officers for their service to the city.
He called the shootings “another indicator of the dangers our officers face while they’re on duty” and said the city would support them as they recover.
“As always, the city of New York and the NYPD will be with them through this challenge and as these officers recover,” de Blasio said.
The shooting comes as the city and its police force are still reeling from the slayings of officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, who were gunned down in their vehicle in Brooklyn last month. Since that shooting, police union leaders and some officers have accused the Mayor of stoking anti-police sentiment. At the funerals for both Liu and Ramos, officers turned their backs on de Blasio as he spoke.
See Thousands of People Gather for Slain NYPD Officer's Funeral
Widow Pei Xia Chen holds a photo of slain New York Police Department officer Wenjian Liu as his casket departs his funeral in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Jan. 4, 2015. Peter Foley—EPAA policeman stands next to an image of slain New York Police Department officer Wenjian Liu during his funeral in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Jan. 4, 2015. Carlo Allegri—ReutersLaw enforcement officers stand with some turning their backs as New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks on a monitor outside the funeral for NYPD officer Wenjian Liu in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Jan. 4, 2015. Shannon Stapleton—ReutersOfficers carry the casket of Police Officer Wenjian Liu from a funeral service at on Jan. 4, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York.Eric Thayer—Getty ImagesLaw enforcement officers salute Officer Wenjian Liu as his hearse drives down 65th street in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Jan. 4, 2015.An Rong XuLocals look on as Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks during the funeral of New York Police Department Officer Wenjian Liu at Aievoli Funeral Home on Jan. 4, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York.John Minchillo—APA limo for family members is seen following the funeral of slain New York Police Department officer Wenjian Liu's in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Jan. 4, 2015. Carlo Allegri—ReutersPolice officers from across the country gather for the funeral of New York Police Department Officer Wenjian Liu at Aievoli Funeral Home on Jan. 4, 2015, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. John Minchillo—APLaw enforcement officers stand with some turning their backs as New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks on a monitor outside the funeral for NYPD officer Wenjian Liu in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Jan. 4, 2015. Shannon Stapleton—ReutersLocals stand in a doorway as police officers arrive for the funeral of New York Police Department Officer Wenjian Liu at Aievoli Funeral Home, Jan. 4, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York. John Minchillo—APA spectator looks out onto officers during the funeral of New York Police Department Officer Wenjian Liu at Aievoli Funeral Home on Jan. 4, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York. John Minchillo—APThe hearse carrying NYPD officer Wenjian Liu makes its way under a US flag en route to the cemetery in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Jan. 4, 2015. Shannon Stapleton—ReutersPolice officers wipe their tears during the funeral of New York Police Department Officer Wenjian Liu at Aievoli Funeral Home Jan. 4, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York. John Minchillo—APPolice helicopters do a fly over at the conclusion of the funeral service for slain New York City Police Officer Wenjian Liu on Jan. 4, 2015 in New York.Spencer Platt—Getty Images
