He got away … for now.
The prime suspect in a recent shooting and robbery in South Ozone Park was spotted by cops in the neighborhood on Wednesday night, and he crashed his ride into a bus while fleeing from them, according to police.
Law enforcement sources said detectives from the 106th Precinct Detective Squad spotted the unidentified suspect driving in the vicinity of Lefferts Boulevard and 111th Avenue at 8:37 p.m. on Sept. 13.
Earlier this month, on the morning of Sept. 4, the suspect shot a 44-year-old man in the ankle while attempting to rob him in the vicinity of 128th Street and Sutter Avenue. Police said the gunman grabbed chains off the victim’s neck and fled inside a silver coupe that headed southbound on 129th Street.
Sources familiar with the investigation stated that detectives, upon seeing the suspect on the night of Sept. 13, attempted to pull the car over at the location. Instead, the perpetrator tried to accelerate away and wound up striking a bus and a fire hydrant. He then exited the vehicle and fled on foot in an unknown direction.
Additional 106th Precinct officers rushed to the scene; no serious injuries were reported. Police launched a land-and-air search for the suspect, but despite their efforts, no arrests were made.
Police sources said they were able to obtain the suspect’s identification, and that “it’s only a matter of time” before he is caught.
The NYPD described the suspect as a male with a dark complexion in his 20s standing 5 foot 9 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. He was last seen on Wednesday night wearing a gray T-shirt and green pants.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, visit their website or send a text message to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
