Overview
- Police tracked a Kia Sportage reported stolen the day before using automated license-plate readers and NYPD Aviation before unmarked Community Response Team units covertly followed it into Fordham Heights.
- Officers boxed the vehicle and ordered occupants out, and the driver allegedly reversed into an unmarked police car and then drove forward, striking a sergeant and other officers during the confrontation.
- An officer fired at the car and struck the 18-year-old driver in the arm, who was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital in stable condition while multiple injured officers were treated and reported stable.
- Authorities recovered a loaded Glock 22 with an extended magazine from the SUV, charged passenger Angel Robles with criminal possession of a loaded firearm, and on Wednesday charged the driver, Jayden Mendoza, with attempted murder.
- Investigators are searching for a third person who fled the vehicle and the Force Investigation Division is reviewing body-worn camera footage as prosecutors prepare arraignments and investigators consider Mendoza’s prior February arrest in the same precinct.