Assemblyman William Colton (D – Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) on Wednesday, November 10^th, 2021 visited Highway Patrol Unit 2 to present a citation to Detective Anthony Steward for exceptional service in arranging a funeral procession for the daughter of a Veteran.

“Little did I expect that on Thursday, November 11^th at around 4:00 p.m. it would be reported that an officer from this same Highway Patrol Unit would be involved in a tragic incident. The Highway Patrol officer attempted to pull over a speeding driver on the Belt Parkway at Bay 8 Street. The driver refused to stop and when the officer cut in front of him and forced the driver to stop, he rear-ended the officer’s vehicle and sped off again. Officer called for a backup unit in pursuit. When the officers again cut him off, he exited his vehicle armed with a gun and walked toward the officers. He was ordered to drop the weapon but refused to do so. The man was fatally shot. Body cameras recorded the shooting,” Colton stated.

“Any individual who rear-ends a police vehicle and attempts to flee when being pulled over and then forced again to stop exits his vehicle waving a gun at police officers is a danger to the public and it should not be surprising that officers do what is necessary to protect the public. This is another example of the sudden risks faced by our police. Of course, the end is a tragedy for all involved and we should pray for them,” Colton continued.

“An investigation must be conducted, and if the facts are confirmed, then these police officers should be commended for risking their lives in continuing their pursuit of this dangerous individual and doing what was reasonable to protect all of us in performing their duty. May God bless our police and keep them safe!” Colton added.