Police investigate the shooting of a NYPD officer in the Bronx. (Stephen Yang)
An off-duty NYPD police officer was shot in the leg tonight while preventing an attempted robbery in the Bronx , police sources said.
Juan Pichardo, 34, interrupted a robbery crew of at least four men from sticking up the used car dealership he co-owns on Boston Road in Bronxwood around 6:32 p.m., sources said.
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“He was trying to sell the people a car and they try to stick him up,” said a co-worker. “For the new year to start like this it is not right. Nobody deserves this. “
The nine-year veteran ran after one of the perps, who was armed, and the two struggled for the gun after the suspect popped up from behind a parked car, according sources and a witness.
“He hid behind a car and the officer didn’t see him,” said Owen Durrant, 39, who works at nearby Winston Repairs.
“He was at an angle where the cop couldn’t see him. Then he just jumped up and he shot him. This is crazy”.
Pichardo was hit in the leg, but managed to disarm the gunman and keep him pinned until backup arrived, sources added.
“I was in the bathroom when I heard a shot. I thought it was a car tire burst. It sounded so loud,” said Alicia Edwards, an 18-year-old student who lives near by.
Responding cops collared the shooter and caught two other men, sources said. It was unclear if a fourth suspect was still on the lam.
Pichardo was rushed to Jacobi Hospital and is reported in stable condition, sources added.
Additional reporting by Daniel Prendergast