By Ivan Pereira
A reputed Bloods member who led police on a wild chase on the streets of Jamaica last year was convicted last week of firing at the authorities.
Malcolm Arnold, 20, of Clinton, Ga., faces up to 25 years in prison for his March 10 convictions on attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon and attempted assault, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.
Arnold, who the DA said was a Bloods member, was caught by officers Jan. 13, 2009, with a handgun and the gang member opened fire.
“This case is another example of the dangers that our police officers routinely face in their continuing efforts to fight crime,” Brown said in a statement.
The incident took place at the corner of 157th Street and 197th Avenue, where three members of the NYPD’s gang unit saw Arnold adjusting his waistband and holding something under his jacket, according to Brown.
When the officers approached the gang member and identified themselves with their shields, Arnold pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and fled down a driveway, the DA said. One officer ran down 157th Street to cut the suspect off while the other two rushed after Arnold yelling, “Police, stop,” according to the DA.
When Arnold reached the end of the driveway, he was stopped by a fence, jumped on a parked car, turned and fired a shot at the two officers chasing him, Brown said. He then jumped over the fence and threw the weapon away. But the police caught up to him and arrested him.
No one was hurt during the chase, according to Brown.
“I commend the officers involved in the shooting for their courage, bravery and professionalism. Despite being fired upon, they were able to arrest the defendant without incident and without firing a single shot,” he said in a statement.
Arnold was convicted in a four-day bench trial, the DA said. Queens Supreme Court Justice Robert C. McGann scheduled a sentencing date for April 8, when the gang member faces up to 25 years in prison, according to Brown.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
