The shooting, early Monday, of two police officers in East Elmhurst allegedly by an individual the officers were attempting to stop as they investigated a robbery pattern plaguing the community, is an outrage, says Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights).

“The two police officers were simply doing their job when they were callously shot,” Assemblyman Colton said. “Fortunately, both of these courageous officers were able to go home to their families just hours after they were attacked, thanks, in one case, to the officer’s bulletproof vest, after he was shot at point blank range. But, incidents like this emphasize exactly how dangerous a job these police officers and the other members of the NYPD do on a daily basis, as they work to keep New York City safe.”

The two officers were shot – one in the leg, the other in his bulletproof vest -- when they attempted to pull over a man who was riding a moped the wrong way down a one-way street. At the time, they were investigating an East Elmhurst robbery pattern which involved individuals on mopeds who have been accosting victims, and then using force to rob them. When the two officers, P.O. Richard Yarusso and P.O. Christopher Abreu, attempted to pull the suspect over, he got off the moped and ran away. A chase ensued, during which the suspect shot at the two officers several times. The suspect, 19, was shot once in the ankle during the scuffle that led to his arrest. An illegal gun was recovered at the scene. The suspect has been charged with attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration, in connection to the double shooting of the police officers.

Both officers were transported to Elmhurst Hospital, from which they were released several hours later.

“Police Officer Yarusso and Police Officer Abreu are true heroes. I am so grateful that both officers are recovering,” said Assemblyman Colton. “We owe them, and the entire NYPD, a profound debt of gratitude, today and every day, for their dedication to the public good.”