Attempted murder charge in shooting of officer
The suspect, a resident of the Bronx, also faces weapons charges for the Saturday incident in Middletown.
The man who authorities say shot a city police officer over the weekend before being wounded by return fire has been charged with attempted murder, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced Monday.
The suspect, Desean J. Owens, 29, of the Bronx, was arraigned via video from his hospital room by Middletown City Judge Steven Brockett, the prosecutor’s office said. Besides attempted murder, Owens is charged with criminal use of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon.
Authorities say Owens shot the officer, whose name has not been disclosed, with a 9mm pistol about 7:40 p.m. Saturday as the officer spoke to a woman in front of 28 Myrtle Ave. in Middletown regarding an apparent incident of domestic violence.
The officer, who was struck in the arm, returned fire immediately, striking Owens, police said on Sunday. Authorities have not described Owens’ wound or wounds.
The wounded officer and Owens were taken to Garnet Regional Hospital in Middletown, and Owens later was transferred to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla for more advanced treatment, authorities said Sunday.
Owens was ordered held without bail after his arraignment. The District Attorney’s Office said the case will be presented to an Orange County grand jury shortly.
The incident is being investigated by the District Attorney’s Office and state police.