Perpetrator is said to have been caught on video following a 10-year-old girl at a hardware store in Florida
QUEENS, NY — A Rockaway Beach man has been charged with attempted first-degree murder after allegedly shooting two NYPD officers in Edgemere, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today. The defendant, Joel Kelly, 60, was charged with multiple counts, including attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm, following an indictment by a grand jury.
According to prosecutors, the charges stem from an incident on July 27, when Kelly allegedly fired a 9mm ghost gun at two police officers who were responding to a report of shots fired at the Beach 41st Street Houses. The officers were not injured in the exchange of gunfire.
District Attorney Katz emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating, “My office will vigorously prosecute assassinations of police officers who are sworn to serve and protect our city. After laying out the facts of this case, we obtained a grand jury indictment of attempted murder against this defendant for allegedly shooting two police officers who were simply doing their jobs.”
Kelly, a resident of Beach 92nd Street in Rockaway Beach, faces a 10-count indictment. The charges include attempted first- and second-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault and multiple counts of illegal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment. If found guilty of the main charge, Kelly could face up to 40 years to life in prison.
The incident began when Kelly visited his sister’s apartment in the Beach 41st Street Houses shortly after midnight. After being asked to leave, Kelly was seen outside the building where he allegedly fired two shots into the air. The NYPD sergeant and officer who responded to the 911 call saw Kelly walking on Beach 51st Street and began pursuing him. During the pursuit, Kelly allegedly turned and fired at the officers before fleeing. A 9mm Ghost Gun that had been discarded during the pursuit was recovered at the scene, along with spent shell casings, a live cartridge, and bullet fragments.
Superior Court Judge Toni Cimino ordered Kelly held without bail and set his next court date for September 30.
