An NYPD officer is fighting for his life more than a day after being hit by a motorcycle in Brooklyn while pursuing a group of car thieves.
Officer Carlos Olmedo, 31, and partner, Marlon Key, chased four suspects who allegedly ran after being stopped in a stolen 2008 Toyota Corolla in Bensonhurst shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday, police said. That's when Olmedo was struck by the motorcycle.
"Everyone here at Lutheran is providing excellent care, but nevertheless Officer Olmedo is in very grave condition," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a news conference at the hospital Sunday morning.
Olmedo has undergone surgery to reduce pressure on his brain. "He's being treated by the best doctors that are here, and at this point I think it's in the hands of God,'' Bloomberg told reporters after meeting with Olmeda's family.
The driver of the motorcycle is in stable condition at the hospital and "was both sober and licensed," Mr. Bloomberg said. Charges weren't filed against the driver and his name wasn't released. That person is in stable condition.
The three suspects have been charged with one possession of stolen property and assault. They were arrested at their homes, and have been identified asTiku Qoko, Sefer Mujo and Mario Koruni, all 18 years old.
Olmedo has been with the department for more than three years.
Sunday was an especially hard day for the NYPD, which also saw two officers die in a car crash in the Bronx.
