The man who allegedly shot a Hempstead police officer early Friday morning was arrested and charged with attempted murder, Nassau County police said.
According to police, Michael Benitez, 22, of Hempstead, was confronted by police under the suspicion of two robberies that occurred earlier in the morning, when he allegedly shot the cop twice with a 38-caliber handgun around 3:24 a.m. in Hempstead.
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One bullet struck the officer in the left arm, but he was saved from more severe injuries after the second bullet struck his bullet proof vest, police said.
The Hempstead cop still managed to return fire, hitting Benitez three times, once in the left forearm, once in the left leg and once in the groin, police said. After the shooting he was placed under arrest and was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
The officer was also transported to a hospital where he was treated for the gunshot wounds and was released, police said.
Meanwhile, police arrested a second man in relation to the incident, who detectives said interfered with Benitez’s arrest. Police said Derick Hernandez, 20, of Roosevelt “interfered and obstructed” with the alleged gunman’s arrest by refusing to step away from Benitez when ordered to do so by arresting officers.
He is being charged with obstructing governmental administration and is expected to be arraigned on Saturday.
Police charged Benitez with first-degree attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon and assault. He will be arraigned at his hospital bedside on Saturday.
