By Sadef Ali Kully
An off-duty cop who responded to a Craigslist ad about a car for sale shot and killed an armed thief who was part of pair who tried to rob him Monday night in Springfield Gardens, police said.
Officers from the 105th Precinct answered a 911 call after 10:30 p.m. from an off-duty officer in need of assistance near 145th Avenue in Springfield Gardens.
The off-duty NYPD officer responded to a Craigslist ad for a White BMW for sale and when he arrived he was confronted by two men, one of whom was armed, according to officials.
The cop said both men tried to take his wallet at gunpoint at which point the officer drew his weapon and fired several rounds at the suspect with the gun, according to police.
Police said the off-duty cop struck one of the suspects, 30-year old Devon Holder from Brooklyn, in the torso and left leg. Emergency responders took Holder to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities said the off-duty officer was taken to Long Island Jewish Hospital for treatment and observation.
According to police officials, the second suspect fled the scene in the white BMW.
Police said a black air pistol was recovered at the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.
Reach Reporter Sadef Ali Kully by e-mail at skull
