An off-duty New York police officer is currently in jail after a drunken night led to the officer firing his gun 13 times at an innocent bystander.
According to The New YorkPost, six-year veteran cop Brendan Cronin had multiple drinks with fellow police officers in City Island Tuesday night before driving towards Pelham, Westchester, when he pulled up at a stop light and fired his gun 13 times into the car next to him. The man in the car, 47-year-old Joe Felice, was hit six times, with bullets entering his torso, lungs and arms.
Police Chief Joseph Benefico said Cronin waved his gun out of his car’s window and began firing while stopped at a light at the intersection of Lincoln and Sixth avenues.
After the shooting, Cronin — who had apparently been heading to his Yonkers home — allegedly sped away. Someone who called 911 said the shooter’s car’s hazard lights were flashing.
Police were finally able to arrest Cronin, 27, and charge him with assault after a tense stand-off. The officer says he doesn’t remember shooting his gun or much of anything from the terrifying night.
The victim is currently being treated for his injuries at a local hospital.
“We’re very concerned with a number of reports,” Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said. “I, personally, am very disturbed about the number of incidents in recent weeks that are part of a longer-term problem of inappropriate use of alcohol by members of our department.”
We send prayers to Joe Felice and hope he makes a speedy recovery.
SOURCE: New York Post | PHOTO CREDIT: Handout
