A New York Police Department (NYPD) officer has appeared in court in Pelham in Westchester County, accused of felony assault. Brendan Cronin (27) allegedly fired 13 shots from his car window, wounding a man in a nearby car six times.
The victim, Joseph Felice (47), was hit in the torso, arm and hand by six bullets. He needed surgery, but reports say he will recover from his injuries.
Pelham police believe the officer used his Glock 9 service handgun in this seemingly unprovoked attack. They describe the incident as "random" and "bizarre." Police say there are no apparent connections between the alleged perpetrator and the victim.
It has been reported that Cronin was drinking with another off-duty officer in City Island before driving north. The attack on Felice took place on Lincoln Avenue near Sixth Avenue. Cronin was pulled over by police shortly afterward after a member of the public reported a car driving erratically.
The police told a press conference Cronin has refused to take a breath test and has been quiet while in custody.
The accused told officers he has no memory of shooting his gun. He has been suspended from duty.
Cronin, who lives in Yonkers, is a six-year veteran of the NYPD and works at the 46th Precinct in the Bronx.
Following his closed arraignment he was sent to Westchester County jail on $150,000 cash bail or $250,000 bond. Cronin is due back in court at 6pm on Thursday, May 8.
Robert Borrelli was driving the car in which Felice was riding when the attack took place. He and his best friend were driving home after their New Rochelle Wranglers hockey team won its playoff game when suddenly Cronin began to shoot.
Borrelli hit the gas and raced his friend to the Bronx hospital, teammate Rich Koh, told the New York Daily News.
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