Police say a Suffolk County cop who was named officer of the year is in a medically induced coma after being shot during a confrontation with a suspect on Long Island late Wednesday.
Authorities say Mark Collins, a 12-year veteran who was named the department's Officer of the Year in 2008, was shot twice by a suspect at about midnight on Mercer Court, just off Jericho Turnpike, in Huntington Station.
Collins and two other officers were attempting to stop a car with four people inside on a traffic violation when one person ran from the car, police say. Collins, who was in plain clothes and driving an unmarked police car, got out of his vehicle and chased after the man. The suspect shot the officer in the neck and hip after a brief confrontation about a block away, authorities say.
"He is a hero and we are thankful that his injuries, although serious, are not worse," Webber said of Collins.
At a news conference early Wednesday at Stony Brook University Hospital, where Collins was brought by police helicopter, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said the officer was in "serious condition" and remains in a medically induced coma in the intensive care unit.
Bellone said that Collins was "speaking and able to communicate" when he arrived at the hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery.
"While we are at home, sleeping comfortably in our beds, these officers are out there working to apprehend the people who are doing harm," Bellone said, adding he was grateful for the positive prognosis.
The alleged shooter was arrested after about an hour-long manhunt, police say. Charges are pending.
The three other people who were inside the suspect's car were being questioned.
Photo Credit: NYPD