Suffolk Police: Condition Of Officer Shot In Huntington Station Improves
YAPHANK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Suffolk County police say an officer who was shot multiple times during a traffic stop this past week is showing signs of improvement.
Authorities said Officer Mark Collins is expected to be discharged from Stony Brook University Hospital on Sunday.
On Wednesday, the 12-year veteran was shot in the neck and hip in Huntington Station, police said.
Police said Collins was shot just before midnight Wednesday while confronting Sheldon Leftenant, who fled a traffic stop at Mercer Court off Jericho Turnpike.
Collins, who is assigned to the Gang Unit in the 2nd Precinct, was in plain clothes and driving an unmarked vehicle when he stopped the car, police said.
After the car stopped, police said one of the four men inside ran from the vehicle when Collins and two other officers approached.
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber said Leftenant was apprehended about an hour after the shooting.
Collins was in serious condition late Thursday afternoon. He had been in a medically induced coma in the intensive care unit of Stony Brook University Hospital, but was out of the coma and was conscious and responsive early Thursday evening.
Leftenant, 22, is being held without bail on attempted aggravated murder and resisting arrest charges. Leftenant pleaded not guilty on Thursday. His lawyer says he's innocent.
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