An off-duty New York Police Department officer fired a shot at three suspected thieves attempting to steal a catalytic converter early Tuesday morning, according to police and sources. The incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, at the intersection of West 148th Street and Broadway.
The 31-year-old officer, assigned to the 40th Precinct in the Bronx, was preparing to head to work when a neighbor alerted her to suspicious activity. While seated in her own vehicle, she observed three individuals attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a parked car. Sources indicated that as the officer began recording the suspects, they noticed her and attempted to block her vehicle.
According to sources, at least one of the three individuals then reached into their waistband, appearing to go for a weapon. In response, the officer discharged one round. It was not immediately clear if anyone was struck by the gunfire. The suspects fled the scene in a dark-colored BMW, and as of Tuesday evening, they had not been apprehended.