NYPD: Officer struck by suspect driving stolen SUV in Jamaica, Queens
NEW YORK -- Police are searching for a driver they say hit an officer with a stolen vehicle in Queens.
Surveillance video captured the incident just before midnight at Tuskegee Airmen Way and Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica.
Two NYPD officers can be seen trying to stop the SUV. The driver then plows into one of the officers, before his partner opens fire on the moving vehicle.
It's unclear if anything or anyone was struck by the bullet.
BREAKING: Two NYPD officers are in the hospital after trying to stop a person driving a stolen vehicle in Jamaica, Queens.
— John Dias (@JohnBDias) March 10, 2022
Video shows the alleged thief plow through one officer, injuring his leg and the other officer then shot off one round. Suspect got away. @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/PfSPU57mJY
"All I heard was a gunshot. Next thing you know, I see people running into the store, cops running down the street," one witness told CBS2's John Dias.
"All the time, this corner here is something else," resident Manny Lopez said.
The officer who did not draw his weapon rolled off the hood of the car and injured his leg.
"He was just doing his job," said resident Orfa Siez. "Just trying to protect us and just bring justice to everyone around the area."
While some police remained on the scene Thursday, others searched for the driver. They canvassed area hospital, since the suspect may have been shot.
Many in the community said the alleged thief acted lawlessly and should have just surrendered.
"Might as well just give it up," one person said. "I really feel bad for the officer, and I hope he's alright, and I hope they catch the guy."
Both officers were taken to the hospital -- one to be evaluated, and the other to treat his leg injury.
Police said they knew the SUV was stolen after running the license plate.