Police: Suspect faces 2 counts of attempted murder in shooting of NYPD officer

Devin Spraggins, 22, faced a judge late Friday afternoon at the Queens Criminal Courthouse and was charged with two counts of attempted murder of a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon and obstructing governmental administration.

News 12 Staff

Apr 7, 2023, 9:41 AM

Updated 556 days ago

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A 22-year-old man is being charged with two counts of attempted murder in the shooting Wednesday of an NYPD officer from Long Island, police said Friday.
Police say Devin Spraggins, 22, of multiple New York City addresses, faced a judge late Friday afternoon at the Queens Criminal Courthouse and was charged with two counts of attempted murder of a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon and obstructing governmental administration.
Spraggins is accused of shooting rookie NYPD officer Brett Boller in Queens earlier this week.
Boller, 22, of Long Island, was one of the officers called to the scene because of a fight on an MTA bus over a seat.
According to police, the suspect pushed the officer before running off following a dispute over a seat. Once officers caught up with the suspect, police say he fired a bullet into the officer's hip. They also say the officer’s partner shot at the suspect twice, but it’s not clear if he was hit.
Prosecutors say the bullet pierced Boller's femoral artery and shattered his hip. As of Friday afternoon, he was in surgery in an attempt to save his leg.
Boiler is expected to be OK and is in stable condition. Officials said the family is grateful at the news of the charges.
Police said Spraggins is “not known” to New York City police in terms of previous arrests. Officers took Spraggins into custody at 4578 Bronx Boulevard Thursday night following an extensive investigation that involved a search warrant in Queens that led them to the Bronx.
They say they used surveillance video and social media to track down the suspect. They also say he changed his clothes and cut his hair to evade arrest.  
Boller has only been on the force for three months, following in his father's footsteps by joining the NYPD. 
If convicted, Spraggins could face a maximum of 80 years to life in prison. He is being held without bail.
The case will go behind a grand jury next week.