An off-duty NYPD officer was carjacked at gunpoint in the Bronx late Saturday night, sparking a police investigation. The 27-year-old officer was unharmed but left shaken after the violent encounter. Authorities are actively searching for the suspect who stole the officer’s vehicle and later abandoned it in a neighboring city.
What Happened
The carjacking took place just before 10:50 p.m. on Saturday, near Ward Avenue and Bruckner Blvd. in the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx. According to police sources, the off-duty officer was pulled from his car at gunpoint by the suspect. The assailant then drove off with the vehicle, fleeing the scene in the stolen car.
The suspect’s flight, however, was short-lived. Authorities say the stolen car was later found abandoned in New Rochelle, a city just north of the Bronx, after the crook crashed the vehicle. Despite the chaotic nature of the crime, the officer was not physically injured in the carjacking.
As of Sunday, the suspect remains at large, and police have yet to make any arrests related to the incident. Investigators are working to gather information from the scene and reviewing surveillance footage to help identify the assailant.
Who Was Involved (Suspect or Victim)
The victim of the carjacking was a 27-year-old officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD). The officer, who was off duty at the time, was reportedly unharmed during the robbery. Police have not released the officer’s name in accordance with NYPD protocol.
The suspect, whose identity is still unknown, has been described as a male who stole the officer’s car at gunpoint. Authorities are currently piecing together evidence from the scene, including any potential witness statements or surveillance footage, to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for the crime.
Police or Witness Statement
In a statement, NYPD officials confirmed the incident and reassured the public that the officer was physically unharmed. Police sources said the officer did not resist during the carjacking, and fortunately, no injuries occurred during the violent encounter.
“This is an ongoing investigation, and we are doing everything in our power to locate and arrest the individual responsible for this crime,” an NYPD spokesperson stated. “We are currently reviewing all available evidence, including surveillance footage from the area and nearby locations.”
Witnesses to the crime are being encouraged to come forward with any information that might assist in the investigation. Authorities are also examining the area for additional security footage that might reveal crucial details about the suspect.
Public or Community Reaction
The carjacking of an off-duty NYPD officer has left the Bronx community shaken. Locals have expressed concerns about the rising number of carjackings in the city and the safety of residents, especially in busy neighborhoods like Soundview. The incident has raised awareness about the risks of violent crime and has sparked discussions on social media about public safety.
Community leaders and local residents have rallied behind the officer, hoping for a swift resolution to the case. “It’s scary knowing this could happen to anyone, especially someone who works to keep us safe,” said one resident, voicing the concerns many feel about safety in the area.
New York City residents are also calling for increased measures to combat car thefts and violent crimes, particularly as the city continues to navigate heightened crime rates in certain areas.
Closing
This off-duty NYPD officer’s carjacking is just the latest in a series of violent crimes affecting New York City. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the suspect’s whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding the incident. As of now, police have not made any arrests, and the suspect remains on the loose.
This case is still developing. Updates will follow as authorities continue their efforts to apprehend the individual responsible for this brazen crime.
