Cops: Suspect shot after fleeing Islip traffic stop
State police investigate scene where a man operating car, above, was shot on Montauk Avenue. (July 31, 2010) Credit: James Carbone
A state police trooper shot a Bay Shore man who fled a traffic stop in Islip early Sunday, attacked the pursuing lawman and later jumped a motorcyclist to try to steal the vehicle, law enforcement officials said.
The suspect, Allen A. Nelson Jr., and the trooper and the motorcyclist, whose names were withheld by authorities, all had non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at hospitals, officials said.
According to State Police, the trooper was on anti-speeding patrol on the Robert Moses Causeway at 7:53 a.m. when he saw a red 2009 Hyundai Sonata speeding. When the trooper tried to pull the vehicle over, the driver raced away. The trooper gave chase, which ended when the Sonata got a flat tire at Pine Street and Montauk Drive in Bay Shore.
Nelson, 49, got out of the car, which had been left in gear, and attacked the trooper, injuring his face and neck, police said. The trooper, authorities said, drew his firearm and shot Nelson in the shoulder. Nelson ran away and the trooper lost sight of him, police said.
One witness told Newsday he heard at least four shots fired.
Another witness, who lives a block from the scene, said she was watching a "Law & Order" rerun when she heard what sounded like firecrackers.
"I couldn't picture it [being gunshots]," the woman, who asked not to be identified, said, "because it's a nice place to live. It's a little scary, since I have kids and it's so close."
Police said Nelson came upon a motorcyclist on Chenango Drive. Authorities said the suspect attacked the motorcyclist and the two struggled violently. The trooper arrived, and, aided by the motorcyclist, subdued Nelson and took him into custody, authorities said.
State police are holding Nelson, of 1342 Ackerson Blvd., Bay Shore, overnight. He's scheduled to be arraigned Monday in First District Court in Suffolk County. He has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault, attempted second-degree robbery, resisting arrest, petty larceny and unlawful fleeing.
The shooting remains under investigation.
With Ben Wieder
Accused cop killer in court ... Teacher's alleged victims to testify ... Popular brewery to close ... Visiting Christmasland in Deer Park
Accused cop killer in court ... Teacher's alleged victims to testify ... Popular brewery to close ... Visiting Christmasland in Deer Park
