MANHATTAN, N.Y. (WPIX) – An off-duty Border Patrol agent is in the hospital after being shot “in what looks like an attempted robbery” in a New York City park, authorities have confirmed.
The 42-year-old man was shot in the face and the arm just before midnight at Fort Washington Park in Manhattan, according to New York City police. He was rushed to an area hospital in stable condition.
Sources initially told Nexstar’s WPIX that the man is a Border Patrol agent who was off-duty at the time of the incident. They said the man fired shots at the alleged attackers.
A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided a statement to WPIX:
“On the evening [of] July 19, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was shot in what looks like an attempted robbery. The officer, who was off duty at the time, is currently in the hospital in stable condition. One of the alleged perpetrators was an illegal alien with prior arrests for felony 2nd and 3rd degree assault and an order of deportation. The New York Police Department is currently investigating the incident.”
Police have confirmed to WPIX that one person is in custody, but no charges have been filed. Details about that person have not been released, and it’s unclear if any additional suspects are being sought.
Video obtained by WPIX appeared to show a gun was recovered from the scene, though authorities have not said whose firearm it was.
