Customs officer shot during attempted robbery in NYC; suspect, a migrant, apprehended.
An off-duty officer from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection was shot in the face during a failed robbery attempt in Fort Washington Park, located in upper Manhattan, late Saturday night. The incident occurred around 11:50 PM, according to police reports.
The officer was seated on a rock near the waterfront, accompanied by a woman, when two individuals arrived on a moped. Surveillance footage provided by the Department of Homeland Security captures the moment one of the suspects approached the officer with a firearm. After a brief confrontation, shots were fired, and the officer returned fire, hitting one of the assailants who subsequently sought medical attention at a nearby hospital.
Emergency personnel transported the 42-year-old officer to Harlem Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition following treatment. Local officials, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, emphasized the broader implications of this incident, calling it indicative of systemic issues within the criminal justice framework. Adams highlighted the offender’s history of violent interactions and the increasing availability of firearms.
Homeland Security officials later identified the suspected shooter as Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a Dominican Republic citizen with a significant criminal record and currently residing in the United States illegally. Nunez has been apprehended in the past for various offenses, including felony assault and is also wanted in Massachusetts for kidnapping and weapons charges. Mayor Adams mentioned that if charged with this latest shooting, Nunez would likely face an attempted murder charge, adding to his extensive list of offenses.
Just moments before the attempted robbery of the officer, Nunez and his accomplice allegedly stole a mobile phone from a nearby woman, leading her to contact law enforcement. After the confrontation, the officer’s companion also alerted authorities.
The area where the shooting occurred poses challenges for emergency services due to difficult access points. An NYPD unit promptly transported the officer to receive medical assistance in a timely manner. Detectives have not yet recovered the firearm used by Nunez but have collected shell casings from the scene, which are being analyzed for forensic evidence.
As investigations continue, Nunez’s history of violence raises concerns about public safety. The second suspect involved in the robbery remains at large, prompting increased attention from law enforcement agencies as they work to address the circumstances surrounding this incident.
