Paralyzed NYPD detective Steven McDonald suffers heart attack
Police officer Steven McDonald is seen on April 14, 2015. Credit: Errol Anderson
Det. Steven McDonald, the NYPD officer who was paralyzed in 1986 after being shot in Central Park, apparently suffered a heart attack Friday, police officials said.
NYPD officials didn’t have details on exactly when McDonald, 59, was stricken and wouldn’t disclose the Long Island hospital where he was taken.
He was conscious and in serious but stable condition, a law enforcement source said.
McDonald was on patrol in Central Park on July 12, 1986, when he came across 15-year-old Shavod Jones, who then fired at the officer. McDonald was paralyzed from the neck down as a result of his injuries and began an arduous recovery in which he breathed with the assistance of a respirator and was able to talk.
He has remained an active member of the NYPD.
Jones was sent to prison but was publicly forgiven by McDonald. After being paroled, Jones died in a motorcycle accident in 1995.
McDonald’s wife, Patricia Ann, who is mayor of Malverne, gave birth to the couple’s son, Conor, in January 1987. Conor McDonald became a police officer in 2010 and was promoted to sergeant last year.
The family could not be reached Friday.
Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.
It's Your Business! This month's roundup including how to protect yourself from digital scams Join NewsdayTV as we recount the top business stories on LI that you need to know about.
It's Your Business! This month's roundup including how to protect yourself from digital scams Join NewsdayTV as we recount the top business stories on LI that you need to know about.
