A New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer died two days after being shot in the head during a weekend robbery attempt.
The officer, Adeed Fayaz, 26, died from his injuries on Tuesday, according to NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell, who announced the death in a tweet hours after a suspect was apprehended.
“Police Officer Adeed Fayaz was a father, a husband, a son, and a protector of our great city,” Sewell said. “Officer Fayaz was shot Saturday night and he tragically succumbed to his injuries today. Our Department deeply mourns his passing, and his family and loved ones are in our prayers.”
Police Officer Adeed Fayaz was a father, a husband, a son, and a protector of our great city.
Officer Fayaz was shot Saturday night and he tragically succumbed to his injuries today.
Our Department deeply mourns his passing, and his family and loved ones are in our prayers. pic.twitter.com/zK9BdHwvM1
— Edward A. Caban (@NYPDPC) February 7, 2023
According to officials, Fayaz traveled with a relative to Ruby Street in Brooklyn on Saturday while off-duty to purchase a vehicle in a transaction arranged on social media. When the suspect arrived, he allegedly pulled out a gun and announced a robbery, sparking an exchange of gunfire in which the officer was hit.
Fayaz was critically injured and taken to Brookdale Hospital.
Randy Jones, 38, was arrested at a hotel in Rockland County on Monday in connection with the shooting, according to police. As of press time, charges were pending.
#BREAKING | The off-duty NYPD officer, 26, shot Saturday in an attempted robbery has died, law enforcement sources said. Officer Adeed Fayaz, 26, was fighting for his life yesterday. Now, sources say he has succumbed to his injuries. pic.twitter.com/gf6fXz1yWC
— PIX11 News (@PIX11News) February 7, 2023
“We wanted him to know what he did to that officer and that officer’s cuffs were on him,” NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said Tuesday, according to NBC New York. “I think it sends a powerful message.”
According to CBS News, Jones had at least three prior arrests, including one for strangulation in 2014.
Authorities believe the suspect had no idea the target of the attempted robbery was an off-duty police officer.
Fayaz’s widow and two children survive him.