The suspect, Joshua Dorsett, who shot and injured two NYPD sergeants after robbing women at a Lower East Side business, was charged with attempted murder on Friday, according to police and law enforcement sources.
Joshua Dorsett, 22, faces charges of attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and robbery after firing a shot during a struggle with the officers on Eldridge Street. The incident took place near Delancey Street on Thursday afternoon.
Sgt. Carl Johnson, 43, of the 5th precinct, was shot in the groin, while the same bullet grazed Sgt. Christopher Leap, 34, of the 7th precinct, in the left leg.
Both officers were taken to Bellevue Hospital. Leap was released on Thursday night, while Johnson remained hospitalized on Friday.
Dorsett, described as a known gang member, had robbed multiple women of their purses at a Mahjong Parlor before the shooting.
The responding officers restrained Dorsett after a struggle, during which he pulled out a gun and fired a shot. The officers did not return fire.
Dorsett, affiliated with the “Up the Hill” gang, had three prior arrests and was out on probation at the time of the incident.
Dorsett was charged with two counts of attempted murder of a police officer and two counts of attempted murder while in commission of a crime.
Mayor Eric Adams commended the officers for their bravery during the incident.
The chaotic struggle shocked bystanders in the busy Lower Manhattan neighborhood.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban expressed relief that both sergeants would recover from the shooting.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry called for stricter consequences for those who attack police officers.
