NEW YORK — A 25-year-old police officer shot in the head Saturday evening while attempting to stop a man died Monday from his injuries, the third New York City officer slain on duty in five months.
Brian Moore, who was in a coma after undergoing brain surgery, was pronounced dead at a Queens hospital with his family at his bedside, including his police officer father, uncle, and cousin.
Hundreds of uniformed officers stood at attention outside the medical center and lined along the block to salute the ambulance carrying his body out. Afterward, many could be seen crying and consoling one another.
"He proved himself to be an exceptional young officer," Police Commissioner William Bratton said.
Moore and his partner were in plainclothes when they approached Demetrius Blackwell in a quiet Queens neighborhood after they saw him adjusting his waistband, a move that made them suspicious he had a handgun, authorities said.
The officers pulled up next to Blackwell, 35, and exchanged words before the man suddenly turned, pulled out a weapon, and fired at least twice at them, according to court documents.
Blackwell has been charged with attempted murder and other crimes. He's being held without bail and hasn't entered a plea. His attorney has denied the charges.
He'll now be charged with first-degree murder, prosecutors said.