An off-duty NYPD officer who walked upon a robbery in progress in East Harlem fired off a shot in the direction of the two allegedly armed thieves, authorities said.
It wasn't immediately clear if either men involved was struck by the officer's rounds.
Police said the two suspects were attempting to rob a person working near Park Avenue and East 122nd Street just before 12 p.m.
The off-duty cop drew his firearm after spotting the suspects holding a gun to their victim, the NYPD said. He ordered them to drop the weapon.
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Instead, the NYPD said one of the men pointed the firearm at the cop, who fired one shot at the duo.
Hours later, investigators were still searching for the armed pair who dropped the gun before hopping in a tan SUV with Florida plates and driving off.
The victim suffered no injuries but was robbed of money, police said.
