The police officer struck by a motorcycle while chasing car theft suspects in Bensonhurst early yesterday morning remains in "very grave condition," as Mayor Bloomberg put it. The mayor added that Officer Carlos Olmedo, 31, is "being treated by the best doctors that are here [at Lutheran Medical Center], and at this point I think it's in the hands of God." Olmedo suffered head trauma and underwent surgery to relieve swelling from his brain.
According to WABC 7, "Home surveillance video shows Olmedo and his partner coming around the corner at 84th Street and 20th Avenue to check out a stolen Toyota. Moments later, the three suspects can be seen running from the area with the officers in pursuit. And as Olmedo crossed the street to follow the suspects, he was struck by the motorcycle. The impact threw the officer several dozen feet."
Three 18-year-year-old suspects have been arrested and charges with two counts of felony assault each. The motorcyclist, who was described as "sober and licensed" by Bloomberg (witnesses also say he tried to swerve to avoid Olmedo), was injured and is in stable condition.
