A vicious attack in late April saw an off-duty New York City police officer allegedly shoot a motorist who was stopped at a light in Westchester County, six times. Now, the officer has been arrested and charged with felony assault.
According to police, the officer, Brendan Cronin, randomly shot a stranger in Pelham after the man pulled up next to him on Lincoln Avenue. The officer apparently fired his weapon 13 times, striking the victim, a 47 year-old resident of New Rochelle, six times in the hand, arm, and torso. The victim's condition has not been released, but authorities say he is expected to make a full recovery.
Police also say that Cronin had been drinking before the incident, and refused a Breathalyzer test after being apprehended. Authorities have not released a motive for the alleged shooting, and according to Police Chief Joseph Benefico, the shooting appears to have been "completely random."
Cronin was initially charged with assault, but the charges may be increased to attempted murder. The situation is being investigated by the Pelham police and the Internal Affairs Bureau of the NYPD.
This incident comes on the heels of another police shooting incident about a week earlier in which a Brooklyn detective is believed to have accidentally shot his partner while under the influence of alcohol.
If you or someone you know has been charged with assault in New York, then there is not a moment to waste. Here at H. Benjamin Perez & Associates, P.C. we take criminal charges very seriously and we are standing by to help you fight your charges. Contact our top-rated criminal defense lawyers today at our New York office to discuss your case.