MYFOXNY.COM -
Police have made another arrest in connection with a wild shoot-out that injured an off-duty NYPD officer in the Bronx over the weekend.
Officer Nelson Bergara was heading to his home when he was engaged in a gun battle with four men who tossed a bottle at him early Sunday morning, according to police.
Joseph Baez, 21, of the Bronx was arrested Tuesday in connection with the shooting. He was charged with attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.
Officer Bergara- a 12 year veteran of the NYPD and a Marine who served two tours of duty in Iraq-- was off-duty at the time of shooting on his way home from a late night shift when he was hit twice.
"As Officer Bergara approached his building, a group of individuals were drinking beer across the street began taunting him. A male in his 20s threw a beer bottle at Officer Bergara," said Commissioner Ray Kelly during a news conference on Sunday.
Bergara then crossed the street and said he was a cop. At the same time, a green Honda pulled up and a man got out. The commissioner says that man started shooting at the bottle thrower, and then turned on Officer Bergara.
"Officer Begara identified himself as a police officer and the individual drew a weapon and opened fire," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The officer was hit twice. He shot once in the back and once in the leg. He still managed, though, to shoot the guy who shot him and arrest the guy who threw the bottle.
"After being struck by gunfire, Officer Bergara apprehended the male responsible for throwing the bottle, who himself was struck several times by the original shooter," said Commissioner Kelly.
Brailyn Alamonte says his cousin was one of the men shot.
"This is ridiculous, I just don't understand what's going on in the streets," said Alamonte.
In total, police say 19 shots were fired from the officer and shooters' gun.
"I stopped counting at six," said one resident.
One officer and two others were hit -- all three were stable condition at St. Barnabas Hospital.
"We're just very lucky. Thank God this wasn't more serious," said Bloomberg.
The commissioner says the people who were shot were arrested. Five people at the scene were questioned as well.
