Suffolk County police officer shot in face while investigating body found in North Bay Shore, police say
A Suffolk County police officer was shot in the face while investigating a homicide overnight in North Bay Shore on Long Island.
The officer was treated at Stony Brook University Hospital, where he is now in stable condition, police say. The 33-year-old has been with the department for two years and is a Navy veteran who's married with three children.
Gunshot narrowly missed officer's eye, doctor says
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said the wounded officer is known among his peers as tough and hardworking.
"He's got a smile on his face. I think he's in a lot of pain, but I think he understands this could've gone a lot worse. I think he's happy to be alive, and we're happy that he is alive," Catalina said Thursday. "He's in good spirits, and he's getting taken care of well. So we're all very fortunate."
Stony Brook University Hospital Dr. James Vosswinkel shared more details about the officer's injuries.
"Getting shot in the face is a very lethal type area to be shot. This officer's wound was literally a half inch away from his eye. It was up on his cheek, it fractured his cheekbone and it was lodged beneath his ear," he said. "If that was over half an inch, if that was at a different angle, unfortunately, he's at least blind."
Vosswinkel added the officer does not have any nerve damage and is expected to make a full recovery.
"How close something can come between life and death," Vosswinkel said.
Body found Wednesday in North Bay Shore, N.Y.
The shooting happened as police were investigating a body that was discovered Wednesday afternoon. Police said they received a 911 call at around 4:30 p.m. about a man found dead in a wooded lot near a home on New York Avenue.
"A few neighbors saying they smell a strong odor," North Bay Shore resident Jame Kirton said. "I guess from the body decomposing."
Investigators identified the victim as 66-year-old Eugene Allen of Brentwood, and said he "was the victim of violence." Police said he was found with cuts that appeared to be consistent with a homicide.
"During the course of the investigation, the Homicide Squad identified a person of interest connected to the man's death. The victim and suspect, a 48-year-old, are known to one another," Catalina said.
Investigators later identified that suspect as Nieves Reyes, who has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder of a police officer. He's due in court for arraignment Friday.
Catalina added the victim and suspect previously worked together, possibly as mechanics, and had a prior dispute.
Shots fired as officers execute search warrant
Catalina said police set up a perimeter around the suspect's home, and officers came under fire.
"While the officers were attempted to execute the search warrant, the suspect began to fire several shots from inside the home. One of these bullets struck a 3rd Precinct officer in the face," he said.
He said the officer was rushed to South Shore University Hospital before being transferred to Stony Brook for surgery.
The remaining officers retreated, and the hostage negotiation team responded, Catalina said. Reyes surrendered shortly after 6 a.m. Thursday.
"Prior to surrendering, when our ESU team deployed a tactical drone, that same male from inside house fired seven rounds at our officers, striking one of our vehicles seven times," said Catalina, adding the officers did not return fire. "They did an amazing job. They didn't fire back just to fire back."
"I have great respect for his partner who got him medical attention almost immediately, and the officers who backed off a situation [that] could have been far more lethal. They chose not to engage and not one shot was fired," Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said.
Investigators said Ring camera video helped identify the suspect, who has a criminal history, though police said it's not extensive.
"Shocked. Completely shocked," North Bay Shore resident Sandra Tisnado said.
Suffolk County PBA reacts
Suffolk County Police Benevolent President Lou Civello called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to get laws changed in New York.
"The irony of the governor visiting Long Island yesterday to say crime is down, only for a Suffolk County cop to be shot today, is not lost on us," Civello said. "While we appreciate her commitment to providing funding and resources to law enforcement, what we really need are tougher laws. Laws that give officers and our justice system the tools to more effectively address mental illness and violent criminal behavior before more lives are put at risk."
