Police Officer Shot in East Harlem, FDR Drive Shut Down

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http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Police-Officer-Shot-East-Harlem-FDR-Drive-Closed-Manhattan-334870021.html

By Jonathan Dienst, Pei-Sze Cheng and Melissa Russo

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A police officer was shot in the head during a confrontation with an armed man by the FDR Drive in East Harlem and is in "very critical" condition at the hospital, law enforcement sources say.

Police were first called to the area for a report of gunshots fired and an armed man riding a bicycle around 102nd Street, sources tell NBC 4 New York.

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When officers caught up with the man several blocks north, on 120th Street near the FDR Drive, a shootout ensued, sources said. An officer was shot in the head during the shootout and taken to Harlem Hospital in very critical condition.

A short time later, a man with a bullet wound to the leg was found along 125th Street. Police are looking to see whether the man is the suspect or another victim, a senior police official said, citing preliminary investigation.

Police Converge on FDR Drive Where Cop Was Shot

The FDR Drive was shut down in East Harlem where an officer was shot in the head during a confrontation with a suspect, according to sources. Video of police activity at the scene. (Published Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015)

That man was taken to Cornell Medical Center.

Two guns have been recovered, sources said.

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The shot officer, who has 5 years on the job, worked in the anti-crime unit of PSA no. 5, a command that polices New York City Public Housing developments in East Harlem and Harlem, according to sources. His family was at the hospital, where dozens of uniformed and plainclothes officers lined the hallway while other officers held each other as they arrived.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton were also at the hospital and are expected to update the media sometime during the night.

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The FDR Drive was closed in both directions between 120th Street and 125th Street as police responded. Drivers were urged to expect extensive delays and consider alternate routes.

Published 2 hours ago