16-year old reputed gang member arrested on an attempted murder charges on Wednesday after striking an NYPD officer during a struggle over a gun that suddenly fired.
According to the reports, the teen was hit in the groin before traveling through and striking officer Kaseem Pennant’s right leg, below the knee.
Reports also revealed that the teen was a member of the same gang crew involved in a string of homicides in the Bronx last summer. He was placed on probation last month for a May 2020 arrest for gun possession and was charged as a juvenile delinquent 2 years ago.
“This individual just was placed on probation for possession of a gun in December. January, he’s back in possession of a gun. Something is wrong with that. He was arrested at 14 years old for being in possession of a gun. At 16 he’s arrested again, and this time he discharged a gun. What is it going to take?” Mayor Adams stated.
Officers were patrolling when they suddenly saw a loud group at “a location known to us as a problematic block with drugs, gangs and disorderly groups.” They told the teen to take his hands out of his pockets, he refused, a scuffle ensued, and the shot was fired.
“At no time did any officer fire their weapons. Tonight is yet another example of how quickly incidents can escalate and how officers risk their lives to keep our city safe.” Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said.
