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AP Photo/Mayor's Office, Kristen Artz
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, speaking at a news conference, holds a jar containing the bullet removed from Officer Kevin Brennan's head.
A New York City police officer is expected to make a full recovery after being shot in the head while chasing a suspect in Brooklyn, authorities said.
Officer Kevin Brennan, 29, remains in critical but stable condition at Bellevue Hospital following an emergency surgery Tuesday night in which doctors removed a bullet from his skull.
For more, visit NBCNewYork.com
"It could have turned out an awful lot worse, and I think it's just another example of the men and women out in the streets every day and every night, trying to keep us safe," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at a hospital news briefing Tuesday evening.
The suspect in the shooting, 21-year-old Louis "Baby" Ortiz, was apprehended on Bushwick Avenue at about 11:30 p.m. following a massive manhunt in the area.
The situation unfolded when officers were called to the Bushwick Houses public housing project at about 9 p.m. for shots fired, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said at the briefing.
Three officers, including Brennan, saw three suspects running from the building, Kelly said. The officers ran after the individuals, with Brennan in the lead.
Brennan followed one of the suspects into the back of 370 Bushwick Ave., said Kelly. Inside the building, the man turned and fired a shot at the officer, striking him at the base of the his skull.
Brennan fired a shot in return, but it was not known whether the suspect was hit, Kelly said.
The suspect, Ortiz, was known to police, said Kelly. One of the officers chasing him had arrested him in the past. Ortiz was additionally wanted for questioning in a New Year's Day homicide.
Brennan was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where trauma surgeons performed emergency surgery on him in the emergency room. The NYPD's chief surgeon, Dr. Eli Kleinman, said the bullet entered the back of the officer's head and was stopped by a thick portion of bone in the skull.
The officer was in critical but stable condition Tuesday night.
"He is one lucky young man," said Kelly, observing that the doctors did a "phenomenal" job in removing the bullet from Brennan's head.
"He's cognizant of what's going on," added Bloomberg, who said Brennan recognized him and Kelly as they were at his bedside with his family. The officer was in and out of consciousness due to painkillers but was otherwise expected to make a recovery, the mayor said.
Brennan is a six-year NYPD veteran and a new father, according to Bloomberg. His wife, Janet, gave birth to their daughter six weeks ago.
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Good luck and a speedy recovery Officer Brennan. Thank you for you service and sacrifice.
I guess all those anti-gun laws are working real fine in NYC aren't they? Didn't that felon know it was illegal for felons to posess a firearm in New York City?
His new baby girl was rootin for him, she wants him to see her off to kindergaten, college, someday welcome her new boyfriend with a shotgun, her wedding and to finally see his grandkids....speedy recovery officer....and salute to all the men and women in uniform of the good ol USA...
That could have had a bad ending.....he's very lucky
At least Officer Brennan wasn't with the FBI chainsawing down the wrong door.....
I wonder if he'll receive the same amount of medical attention the congresswoman received. Well, I doubt the surgeon will follow him home.
"NYPD cop is shot in the head; expected to make full recovery"
That is about right...most cops are brain dead to start with.
My dislike of cops aside, I still do hope he recovers fully.
Kevin, what's wrong? The police give you a couple of tickets?
They have a hard job. And when you give them courtesy and respect, they respond in kind. When you show an attitude like I gather you do when you deal with them, they again, respond in kind.
Remember what you said and how you feel about them when YOU need some help. Maybe your attitude will change a little bit.
Kevin, you're a moron. I'm sure there is a reason for your dislike of police officers. Most likely a lengthy rap sheet.
Stykbowhntr, sorry WRONG. I have never been close to being arrested, and I can't even remember the last time I got a ticket...MANY years ago (at least 15, and didn't bother me).
Could it possibly be that, in all my years, I have seen cops do so many stupid things, and bad things that I just don't trust them any more? Could it be that police forces are comprised of the guys, who were your C-students in school?
"Remember what you said and how you feel about them when YOU need some help. Maybe your attitude will change a little bit." Most of my opinion is JUST from this scenario. They are virtually useless due to laziness. Most of my dislike seeing how they treat you when you are a victim.
For over 50 years, I used to believe in cops, but they PROVED me wrong.
Comments like that can easily make us think your own brain activity has a lot to be desired.
Goodspeed and good luck, Officer Brennan.
Fifth grade education for you, huh????
kevin, next time you think you need a cop to help you, you're more than welcome to call a crackhead. Let me know if you appreciate their services any more than you do "C" student cops.
Plus, intellectual piety is the height of arrogance, so what does that say about you as a person?
Kevin... ALL of the cops I know, and I am NOT a cop by the way, have at a minimum a Bachelors Degree, many have Masters and there are a smattering of PhD's. And those degrees range from Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Accounting and yes to Law.. (but they'll admit that they prefer to lock them up and help the prosecutors than to defend them.)
Maybe you have a preconceived notion that they are just the high school jocks that harassed you in school, but the truth couldn't be further from that perception.
You seem to be lumping ALL cops into the same category as the few that operate on the wrong side of the Blue Line... and the decent cops have no problem bringing them down.
Kevin............................And just why do you dislike cops?
I pray for the officer's speedy and successful recovery. What a lousy job that is.
As is the author of this comment.
Kevin, ignore the bootlickers, cops can do no wrong.....I wonder if this is a case of Karma? We all know what great integrity NYPD possesses! NOT! BTW, I don't call cops because I have no use for a Clown-in-Costume with clustering personality traits!
@ Kevin C-752389: I see that you place a high value on academic achievement, or intelligence, or something along those lines. As a result, I was sure you would welcome my recommended edits to your post. (Hmmm, do your mediocre writing skills tell us that you were a "D" student in school?)
"Stykbowhntr, sorry[You should use a comma here, and provide a verb for your sentence.] WRONG. I have never been close to being arrested, and I can't even remember the last time I got a ticket...MANY years ago (at least 15, and [Insert "it" here.] didn't bother me).
"Could it possibly be that, in all my years, I have seen cops do so many stupid things,[You should not use a comma here.] and bad things that I just don't trust them any more? Could it be that police forces are comprised of the guys,[You should not use a comma here, either. You seem to have an issue with overuse of commas, in particular.] who were your C-students[This is not an appropriate use of a hyphen; to correct this, may I recommend either "C students" or "'C' students."] in school?
"'Remember what you said and how you feel about them when YOU need some help. Maybe your attitude will change a little bit.' Most of my opinion is JUST from this scenario. They are virtually useless due to laziness[In this article that describes an officer who was shot in the head as he was chasing down an individual who is wanted in connection with shots fired and a recent homicide, there is no clear link to "laziness" for the reader. I recommend you either provide support for this contention or remove it; as presented here, it is confusing at best.]. Most of my dislike [You have not used a verb here. I assume you intended to use something along the lines of "results from," but who knows?]seeing how they treat you when you are a victim [As written, the pronoun "one" should replace "you" in this sentence, unless you mean to refer to the reader specifically. However, because you appear to be referencing your own experience here, consider replacing this with "how they treated me when I was a victim."].
"For over 50 years, I used to believe in cops, but they PROVED[Note: I understand that you are trying to emphasize your point via "all caps" usage here, but you use this method as a crutch in my opinion - please note that there are five such usages in your relatively short post. Consider choosing stronger, more meaningful words (i.e., writing more effectively) to effect your meaning without resorting to SHOUTING at your readers.] me wrong."
In sum:
(1) It is possible that you are not as intelligent as you seem to think you are. So, please stop knocking others down.
(2) Despite what you appear to believe, there is nothing wrong, or inferior, to be inferred from a person earning "C" grades in school. If everyone earned "A" grades, they would be meaningless. Furthermore, each of us is blessed with our own unique blend of strengths and weaknesses. Again, please stop knocking others down.
(3) I genuinely hope that you regret writing "...most cops are brain dead to start with" in your original post. This officer places his life on the line every day to protect others, came very close to paying the ultimate price for doing so, and has a six-week baby at home. I understand that you have issues with police officers. This is neither the time nor the place to air them. This is not about you. Your post was inappropriately self-focused and insensitive. Please grow up.
Nothing personal, but you guys are all nothing more than sheeple. If you really think that cops are so great, or so smart, I pity you....just ask someone, who has been wrongly convicted what they think of cops, or how they come up with one theory, whether it is right or wrong. Why should the truth matter?
But I do love how you all jump to conclusions about my dealings with them...what does that say about you?
@XDm9mm, so what if they have degrees? A degree is more about perseverance than brains, and as far as lumping, sure there are bound to be exceptions...I just have never met one.
As of now, there are 10 people, who apparently agree with me, which is equal to XDm9mm's comment. That should tell you that there are a lot of people out there, who have lost faith in the cops.
NOTHING PERSONAL KEVIN?!?!? I take it personally. I have several family members risking their lives everyday for pond scum like you. How dare you take this situation and make light of it. How would you feel if your wife, brother, father was out there and some piece of crap put a bullet in their head. Bet you would feel "about right". I hope you never need the nypd. if it was me................ (and thank god it's not) i'd look the other way.
Yea, right, as long as you're white, blonde, blue eyes, 5'5" 95lbs.
Another crock of bull$hit! Cops are out of control, they threaten anyone who simply asks a question. They always have the old reliable "disorderly conduct," to fall on when they don't like you, or what you say. Why can't I question a cop, a public servant, without being harassed, and threatened? Any questions you put to them, is "attitude" to them.
Contrary to what you believe, cops are not there for you.
I have to take kevin's side on this. A cop couldnt catch a criminal unless they pulled them over for a moving violation and happen to stumble upon one. Police sign up to be shot at. Its part of the job, why else do we give them bullet proof vests and guns? To play paddy cake? You dont hear our military complaining about being shot at. It is the job they signed up for and that is what happens. Cops have a small imagination and tend to think linearly and they have all the answers all the time. When actually most of these people barely graduate highschool and are generally poor students in college as well, if they get that far. If they selected a smarter bunch, they may start questioning orders. You give anyone power over another person and it will be abused. Thugs with guns. I have seen them act as a mob just like civilians, except they have guns and the authority to do what they want. At least until a judge throws it out when you go to court. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
XDm9mm - I agree that there are cops with degrees. But you sound like you are spreading a serious line of BULL$H!T about the number of degrees among LEOs. If they are that smart, would they keep risking life and limb for such meager wages?
Thank you, Big John-5071382. Finally, someone else, who is not in some fantasy land.
At Kevin that was completely uncalled for. This is a sad situation. Why don't you try the job then? Put your life on the line for people like you. Remember your comment when you need a cop. Maybe if we started putting these low lives in jail or better yet death penality then the cops won't be needed as much. Start looking at the real problems, the law not the enforcers. Stupid people like you need to be put in a life or death situation before you make stupid comments like that.
Wow Kevin,
an officer gets shot in the head, and you say that's 'about right'? When people look for great things from humanity, there's no need to look in your direction, hmmmm?
Officer Brennan, I'm SO glad you're going to be ok. Get well soon and enjoy your new baby.
Kevin - Shame on you for such a crass remark.
Thank you officer Brennan. I don't have the cajones to do your job, and appreciate all of the blue force out there laying it on the line.
Kevin, look up TASOOMA in the urban dictionary.
I looked that word up lol....and all i have to say is NICE...lol i think that's best diss I've ever heard....and also thanks for the laugh.
Why to go Buffale51, Tasooma Kevin!
Come on, people, like any other group some are damn good human beings and some are not. I've encountered both. I think public opinion on guns is siding with pro 2nd amendment. Gun sales are way up and most responses to self defense articles are very positive. As long as people learn proper weapon use and respect a gun as a tool that can harm, excellent. Violent crime including murder is down, substantially and gun sales are up, substantially; nuff said. Good wishes to the officer and may the attacker get what he deserves.
God speed to you, Officer Brennan, and our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.
We just lost our second officer in as many months where I live, and both of them were killed by some low-life dirtbag. I only hope when Officer Brennan's brother/sister officers find this dirtbag Ortiz, that they make him very, very dead during his apprehension.
Sounds like my kind of luck. The epitome of good luck: getting shot in the head.
It always bothers me when cop-haters post ignorant statements. The city, county and state officers in my area are bright, diligent, dedicated, and respectful. They've been trained to discern between criminal activities and mentally ill behaviors and act and react accordingly. Utmost respect for these men and women who serve this area, and everywhere. It's a tough job, one I sure don't have the nerves for.
Good to hear Officer Brennan will recover, and will be able to be daddy to the baby, husband to his wife.
When people hate those that are out there and have sworn an oath to protect us, wish I could say I felt pity for their ignorance, but I have to control my inner hatred for them. Cops put their lives out there and never know if their shift is their 'last' shift. I am not a cop though I know a few. My respect goes out to each and every one of you. You take crap from citizens and from your own. That makes it a job only fitting for the toughest and most patriotic.
Criminals can get guns anytime anywhere. It is the good citizen who should arm himself against the felons. Now that you have caught the guy shoot him between the eyes we don't need to spend good money on such scum.
As for the police officer, I pray for him swift and complete recovery. God Bless Him and all officers who lay down there lives for good citizens.
Alison, I think you should leave the praying to someone else; I can't imagine God would bother listening to someone who advocates killing another, without a trial, no less!
I can only imagine how difficult it will be for him to go back to work after recovering from something like this. Or for his wife to watch him leave for work. I know I couldn't do it, that's for sure.
God bless all the men and women who go off to work every day never knowing if this day will end in violence for them, or even worse, be their last day on earth.
Glad he's stable and expected to recover. You can say what you will about any group of people, but you know that NYPD cops must handle and put with some crazy stuff daily. They're always at risk. Thinking any NYPD cop is less worthy is just wrong. I know cops here in my city of 1mil+ that have stated they wouldnt be a copy in NYC.
well.......we will have to say one thing. Kevin got all the attention he so desperately needed.
My prayers go out for Officer Kevin Brennan for a quick and full recovery. This Officer is a true hero and a fine example of the best of law enforcement. I am elated that they caught the guy responsible for the shooting of this officer, clearly a bad individual that needed to be put away.
For the moron named Kevin who posted about his dislike of cops, you are certainly within your rights to feel any way you want, but this was not the venue to post such BS. To generalize that all cops are uneducated, lazy, etc., based on your limited knowledge of those who wear the badge, is akin to saying all people named Kevin are scumbags. Take this case for instance, two guys named Kevin, one is a hero cop, the other is a loser who posts anonymously about the things he would never have the balls to say to any cop in person. I would not be surprised if you applied to become a cop and got rejected.
Hope you have a speedy recovery with no setbacks. Take good care of that new baby and I'm sure your partners will take good care of you. As for the mutt that shot you he should have been locked up and I hope justice will be done this time.
What kind of puny cap gun caliber weapon was this guy using that he could score a head shot & not even disable the cop, a BB gun?
^5 Kevin!
I miss being protected by the NYPD. Now I live in Nashville, and the clowns they call the police here don't even show up for 20 mins after a shooting.
With 25 years' experience as a part-time police officer, I can honestly say that I've actually known only two bad cops in my work in three different police departments. One did time and the other will never work in law enforcement again. I suggest that the Kevin who made that post try it sometime. Apply to the police reserves, go through the testing, background investigation, psychiatric screening and then training required for the job. Then get dressed in 20-30 lbs of equipment and protective gear, climb into a Crown Vic and spend a 10 hour shift answering calls for things such as "shots fired" or "911 hangup" or "domestic violence." It might give you some understanding of the job.
Thanks for your service ChamberDoc. I appreciate you, and others like you for serving.
I'm currently in school for CJ, but I know I don't want to be a cop. I don't have the courage it takes to do what you do on a daily basis.
Again, thank you.
I propose giving 0$.
Meant for another comment page.
Very tragic.
Another reason cops deserve the respect they ask for. Putting your life, your only life on the line for others, cannot be put into proper words. All the best to you and your family and a most speedy recovery.
Wow, I am so glad his baby girl gets to grow up with her daddy.
Thanks for your service Officer Brennan. I hope you make a speedy recovery. Ignore the naysayers, they are the ones with something to hide.
Well, luckily the bullet was only a .22 (as reported on another news site). Any larger caliber and the officer would probably not be with us today.
NOTHING PERSONAL KEVIN?!?!? I take it personally. I have several family members risking their lives everyday for pond scum like you. How dare you take this situation and make light of it. How would you feel if your wife, brother, father was out there and some piece of crap put a bullet in their head. Bet you would feel "about right". I hope you never need the nypd. if it was me................ (and thank god it's not) i'd look the other way.