On June 23, 2022, at around 4:30 P.M., NYPD Detective Sunjay Verma was driving near Legion Street and Pitkin Avenue when his car window was suddenly struck by a bullet. The shattering glass injured the on-duty officer, but he turned his attention to the suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Jah-Mike Woolridge.

The suspect attempted to flee into the Brooklyn Gardens housing development, where he lost officers. Investigators uncovered a loaded black pistol at the scene and two bullets inside the police vehicle. They also later determined that the gunfire from the suspect erupted as a result of an earlier dispute between the suspect and a 23-year-old.

When the two vehicles stopped at a red light, Woolridge took the opportunity to discharge several rounds at the car. Since the shots were fired in a busy intersection, it’s no wonder that some of the bullets struck other areas, including the police vehicle. Thankfully, no innocent bystanders were injured other than the officer.

This shooting incident is taken very seriously by law enforcement. Not only did the stray bullets cause damage and injuries, but they could have also resulted in a much more serious situation if someone had been struck by a stray bullet. In that situation, the culprit could potentially be facing murder charges.

Woolridge initially evaded capture, but he was eventually arrested by law enforcement months later in November of 2022. Woolridge was found hiding out in Maryland, and he was arrested by the Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Marshals.

Woolridge was charged with first-degree attempted assault. Now, the Brooklyn native has been sentenced to serve nine and a half years in prison as a result of his actions. In addition, Woolridge must serve five years of post-release supervision.

How to Navigate Firearms and Shooting Charges

In general, violent crimes that involve a firearm and a shooting result in substantial penalties, even when the bullet doesn’t actually strike a person. When injuries do occur, the consequences will be hefty depending on your specific charges. In the case above, the suspect pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted assault. This type of conviction carries a maximum sentence of up to 25 years in prison. At minimum, a person convicted of first-degree attempted assault will need to serve five years in prison.

What’s more, the charges you face for firearms and shooting could only be a part of your overall case. If you are accused of shooting at an officer who was attempting to charge you for something else, then your charges could be compounded together.

The best thing to do in these types of situations is to reach out to a criminal defense attorney. The right lawyer will empower you with the knowledge you need to understand your charges, consider your options, and start strategizing on how to defend yourself.

Are you in Brooklyn or a nearby area? Schedule a call with our office now to discuss your case in more detail with one of our best attorneys.