An off-duty NYPD officer accidentally shot himself in the leg Tuesday afternoon inside his Bronx home, according to reports. The incident occurred at a residence on Bailey Avenue in the Kingsbridge section.
Authorities responded to the scene shortly after 1 p.m. and found the 33-year-old officer, identified by family members as Demitrious Caceres, conscious and alert with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his left leg. Caceres, who is assigned to the 1st Precinct, was off-duty at the time of the shooting.
He was transported to Jacobi Medical Center by emergency medical services in stable condition. Caceres has been with the NYPD since January 2023.
According to his brother, Jonathan, Caceres was preparing to leave his home and attempting to holster his gun when it accidentally fired. Family members expressed initial fear upon hearing of the incident, but his brother confirmed he is expected to recover.
Neighbors reported hearing the commotion of police and ambulance presence blocking the street. Officers were seen collecting evidence from the home later that evening. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
New York City officers are required to carry their firearms even when off-duty.