A 20-year-old man from New York City who allegedly shot a policeman twice in the back on Christmas Eve with a pink gun – and was unable to break his bulletproof vest – told reporters he was sorry on Friday.
William Moss is accused of shooting New York Police Officer Connor Boalick, 27, in the back while taking testimony from Moss’s girlfriend. His mother called 911 after he allegedly threatened to harm the family, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday night.
“Thank God, the vest he was wearing protected him and his partners protected him,” said de Blasio, condemning the suspect’s alleged violence at Christmas.
Moss, when asked by the New York Post if he had a message for Boalick on Friday, replied, “I’m sorry, officer. I wish it never happened.”
NYPD commissioner Dermot Shea said at a news conference on Thursday that Boalick would be fine. A bullet penetrated his vest, but not in the officer’s skin.
“On this Christmas Eve for Christmas, I would say that someone is absolutely looking out for us here at NYPD tonight, not just with the cop in hand, but every man and woman out there putting on a gun and a shield and going out to protect the New Yorkers, “city police commissioner Dermot Shea told a news conference on Thursday night. “I would thank God that we are not here in more dire circumstances.”
Shea said a woman called 911, frantically asking the police to respond after her daughter’s boyfriend allegedly threatened to shoot her at home. Officers from the 77th Police Station arrived, found the claimants and were ambushed
“Looking at the body cameras … you see incredible bravery on the part of the officers,” said Shea. “You see your girlfriend aim and then you hear shots being fired.”
New York Police Officer Connor Boalick, 27, is expected to be well after being shot in the back. (Courtesy: NYPD)
Two other officers responded immediately, firing at least seven shots and arresting Moss a block or two away.
“He’s in a little bit of pain, but he’s in a very good mood,” said Shea of Boalick.