New York Police Commissioner William Bratton and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio speak at a Wednesday press conference about the shooting and death of Officer Randolph Holder.(Photo: Screenshot, New York City Mayor's Office on YouTube)
A New York police officer died Tuesday night after being shot in the head in east Harlem, officials said.
The officer, Randolph Holder, was responding to reports of gunfire. He and other officers were pursuing a suspect on a bicycle along a pedestrian overpass, New York Police Commissioner William Bratton said during a press conference early Wednesday
Holder, 33, then was struck in the head during an exchange of gunfire. He was brought to Harlem Hospital Center in critical condition, and he died at 10:22 p.m. ET.
The suspect was caught blocks away and had gunshot wounds to his leg. He was brought to a medical facility and is expected to be taken into custody upon his release later Wednesday, Bratton said.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing and police are looking for witnesses, as well as other suspects who may have been involved with the initial incident. Bratton said officials would meet with the New York district attorney's office later Wednesday to determine the charges against the suspect
Randolph was the fourth New York officer shot and killed on the job in the past 11 months, Bratton said.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, who reportedly rushed out of a fundraiser upon hearing the news, noted Holder's "exemplary record."
"We are humbled by Officer Randolph Holder's example," he said at the press conference.
Holder was a five-year veteran of the police force, Bratton said. An immigrant, he became an officer in July 2010. He was a third-generation officer; his father and grandfather had both served in their native Guyana.
"I extend our deepest condolences to his family, especially his father, who, in his time of grief, sought to comfort the officers in PSA 5," Bratton said.
Patrick Lynch, head of the New York Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, called for support from the community.
"New York City police officers every day, we go out and carry ourselves like superheroes on the streets," he said. "But the reality is, when we're attacked, we bleed, when we bleed, we die, and when we die, we cry... these police officers need your support as we bury our fellow police officer, but it can't end there. We need your support every day, on every corner, in every neighborhood, so we can continue to carry ourselves like superheroes, so we can save you and protect you."
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