NYPD Officer Shot In Face Identified, Dies In Hospital

A New York Police Department (NYPD) officer, who was reportedly shot in the face yesterday evening, was identified this morning as Brian Moore. He’s fighting for his life at an area hospital after a medical difficulty surfaced during treatment.

The New York Daily News reports that Moore, 25, was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he remains in a medically-induced coma. Although he’s listed in critical yet stable condition, an insider reports that the young officer’s medical situation is taking a turn for the worse after a complication with surgery.

“I heard the officer suffered a brain bleed last night; he isn’t in good shape.”

The shooting occurred yesterday evening in Queens when Moore, working as an anti-crime plainclothes officer, noticed Demetrius Blackwell, 35, messing with something in his waistband. Moore, who was conducting routine car stops, approached Blackwell and questioned him.

Without warning, Blackwell allegedly pulled a gun from his waistband and began shooting at Moore and his partner, Erik Jansen, 30. Moore was struck in the cheek and immediately rushed to the hospital via a patrol car.

A witness to the incident states that after she heard gunshots, she heard an officer talking to Moore, asking him to stay with him.

“When I came outside, all I heard (the officer) saying… ‘Partner, please stay with me.’ I saw him pick up his radio and call it in.”

Afterward, police officers swarmed the area looking for the shooter, when they found Blackwell at a neighbor’s house, Andre Tucker, 26. Tucker says that Blackwell relaxed and acted nonchalant, as if nothing were going on.

“(Blackwell) was hanging out for an hour and a half, smoking cigarettes and talking like everything is normal.”

Court documents indicate that Blackwell is a convicted felon. He previously served seven years in prison on attempted murder charges, but was released in 2008. He also had a warrant out for his arrest in connection with a criminal mischief charge.

Blackwell faced arraignment this morning at the Queens County Criminal Court. He’s charged with assault, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon.

Meanwhile, neighbors of Moore, in Nassau County, were shocked to hear what happened. They state that Moore is a well-liked, respectable officer, who has lived in the area for most of his life.

“He’s a good kid. We’re all praying for him. I’ve known him since he was a baby.”

Family, friends, and the NYPD police department asked for continued prayers and support for Moore. They are hoping for a miracle for the young police officer, who’s known to always “laugh and smile.”

[Update]

Officer Brian Moore died this morning at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, from a gunshot wound to the head. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

[Photo Courtesy of Theodore Parisienne/New York Daily News]