NYPD officer death

[Patcat]

A 35 year old NYPD office died yesterday after he was shot by a suspect. The officer, Dillon Stewart, and his partner continued to pursue the suspect after the shooting. The bullet entered Officer Stewart's body over his bulletproof vest, and the officer apparently didn't initally realize he'd been shot. News reports said doctors worked for several hours to try to save his life.

The reports (many available at gothamist.com) all say Stewart was an exceptional police officer, although he didn't join the force until he was 30. He's survived by two children and his wife.

Eight NYPD officers have been shot this year--a fairly high number--although I think this is the first fatality.

It's a reminder that in the real world this is a very dangerous job.

Patcat

[Patcat]

Another NYPD officer was killed near the end of last week. Daniel Enchiatagula (and I apologize for misspelling his last name) was 28 years old and off duty when he was killed investigating suspicious noises in his apartment building. One of the two men suspected in his death is an actor who's appeared on THE SOPRANOS. The officer appears to have been an exceptionally decent man. There's more info at gothamist.com

I get the impression the NYPD is reeling from both of these deaths.

Patcat

[NikkiGreen]

Officer Daniel Enchautegui (link to CNN article)

Condolences to the families and friends of both officers.

[Techguy]

patcat said:

One of the two men suspected in his death is an actor who's appeared on THE SOPRANOS.

Irony, or life imitating art?

Lillo Brancato got his acting break in "A Bronx Tale" playing the teenage son of the Robert DeNiro character who tries to protect his son from the influence and allure of the mob.

My condolences also to the families and friends of the slain police officers.

[Patcat]

gothamist.com has links to coverage of the officer's funeral.

The NYPD reportedly has been upset by the focus on the suspect who's an actor. I've found it interesting that the NEW YORK TIMES has downplayed that angle, focusing instead (and rightly, IMHO) on the officer.

Patcat