By Alex Christodoulides and Stephen Stirling
Thomas Wick, a rookie police officer with the 115th Precinct, was discovered with a single gunshot wound to the head in Henry A. MacNeil Park, authorities said. Police said Wick's wound appeared to be self-inflicted and a gun was found nearby, although it was unclear Tuesday if it was his service-issued firearm.Authorities said Wick left his home near the park around 8 a.m. Shortly thereafter his mother, who was not named, heard a single gunshot and ran out to the park where Wick was found near a park bench. Wick was taken to Flushing Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.Wick, 21, was appointed to the Police Department in December, and was assigned to the 115th Precinct's Operation Impact program, which is designed to flood high crime areas with a greater police presence.Deputy Inspector John Lavelle, commander of the 115th Precinct, said Wick was assigned to the precinct on Dec. 28.”He was only here a short time, but he was well-respected by his supervisors and his peers,” Lavelle said. “We ask you to keep his family in your prayers.”Wick's mother could be reached for comment.Jeremy Walsh contributed to this story.
