NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Police released footage Tuesday night of a man sought after an off-duty NYPD lieutenant was hospitalized following a deadly shootout in Queens earlier this month, authorities said.
Police believe the suspect was one of several men who got into a dispute, and possibly attempted to rob, the off-duty lieutenant outside the La Boom nightclub in Woodside in the early morning hours of Dec. 16.
Just over a week ago, police arrested 19-year-old Cristian Cruz in connection with the incident. He was charged with robbery, assault, grand larceny, criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of stolen property.
A third suspect died in the shootout outside the club around 3:15 a.m., police said.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said at the time that it appeared the off-duty lieutenant was at the nightclub. He exited the club and was confronted by "several armed individuals wearing masks."
Police believe the group was "attempting to rob the officer of jewelry."
Moments later, shots rang out between the officer and at least one of the suspects, Shea said.
It was believed that eight shots were fired by the officer and nine shots were fired by one or more suspects, officials said.
"The remaining suspects fled the scene, possibly in a vehicle," Shea said.
The officer and the suspect were found lying on the ground by responding officers.
“We saw the body camera, and this officer had minutes to live,” Lieutenants Benevolent Association president Lou Turco said.
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The officer suffered multiple gunshot wounds and is “lucky to be alive,” Shea said. He was taken in critical but stable condition to Elmhurst Hospital, where the commissioner said he "was conscious" when he briefly interacted with him.
The suspect was shot in the chest and stomach and was pronounced dead at Elmhurst Hospital at 3:35 a.m.
Shea said police have identified him and that he has one prior arrest for gang assault in the city.
A semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine was also recovered near the suspect, Shea said.
An investigation remains ongoing.