A 32-year-old Nassau County Police Department officer was shot in the hip while pursuing two home invasion suspects in north New Hyde Park early Wednesday morning, Nassau County Police said.
Nassau County Police 3rd Precinct Officer Mohit Arora was listed in stable condition at North Shore-LIJ Medical Center following the shooting near the house at 41 Campbell St. that was invaded, police said.
Two suspects, Cong Xu, 21, of Brooklyn and Renahng Qui, 22, of 348 54th St., Brooklyn, were arrested near the scene of the home invasion within minutes after Xu allegedly shot Arora following a search that included the use of a police helicopter.
“We had an extensive manhunt at the time,” said Det. Vincent Garcia, a spokesperson for the Nassau County Police.
Arora and another officer were responding to a call received at 1:49 a.m. of a burglary in progress at the house, Garcia said.
The two police officers thought the burglary suspects were surrendering as the suspects exited the front door of the house and approached the officers, Garcia said.
But the suspects then started to run and as the police officers pursued them, when Xu fired several rounds from a gun over his shoulder at the police, detectives said.
Garcia said the officers returned fire as a bullet struck Arora in the right hip, fracturing the hip bone and then exiting Arora.
Arora was taken to the North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset in a police car as a search for the suspects ensued, Garcia said.
Police said Xu was apprehended on Flower Lane and Nugent Street. Qui was caught on Lakeville Road at Sylvia Lane.
Garcia said the gun fired by Xu was recovered at the scene.
Xu was taken to the Nassau County Medical Center for an injury to his ear.
Police said Xu and Qui are both charged with burglary 1st degree, attempted robbery 1st degree and criminal possession of a weapon 2nd degree. Xu was also charged with attempted murder of a police officer 1st degree.
Qui will be arraigned in 1st District Court 99 Main Street Hempstead. Xu will be arraigned as soon as medically practical.
Garcia police believe the burglary attempt was not a random act.
“There was a reason this house was chosen,” he said.
Garcia, said Arora, a six-year veteran of the force, was in stable condition.
This wasn’t the first time Arora sustained a serious injury on the job. Nassau County Police Benevolent Association James Carver said a few years ago, Arora’s police car flipped over while he was driving in a high-speed chase on the Cross Island Parkway. Arora sustained back injuries at that time, and spent three months in sick leave and taking on light duty.
Arora worked for more than three years in the New York Police Department, Carver said. He said Arora, who was born in India, joined the Nassau County Police force to be closer to his parents with whom he lives in Queens.
“He’s still in a lot of pain,” Carver said.
But the first question Arora asked him when he visited the officer in the hospital on Wednesday was whether the suspects had been caught, Carver said.
“He was pleased that they were caught,” Carver said.
“He’s going to be alright” said Inspector Sean McCarthy, 3rd Precinct commanding officer, after visiting Arora in the hospital Wednesday morning.
Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano also visited the wounded officer that day.
“My thoughts and prayers are with 3rd Precinct Police Officer Mohit Arora who was shot in the line of duty early this morning while protecting and serving the people of Nassau County. I commend Officer Arora and responding Officers who swiftly arrested the perpetrators while protecting our residents,” Mangano said in a statement.
