A female officer in New York was shot in the face Monday night after being ambushed by two gunmen in Yonkers.
A relative rookie to Yonkers PD, Officer Kayla Maher was hit in the jaw during the attack, which took place after she and her colleagues approached a suspicious vehicle.
“Don’t know what the suspects were doing in the car,” Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner said. “When the officers approached, shots were fired.”
Initial reports claim the weapon used against Maher was an AKM-type platform and a poorly-maintained Glock pistol was recovered at the scene. Both suspects were taken into custody, with one sustaining injuries.
Maher was conscious and responsive after being hit, though her colleagues were incredibly adamant about evacuating her as a casualty.
“Can we get an armored truck or something to come get this officer out,” one officer asked dispatch in a recording obtained by the New York Daily News. “She’s shot in the face. We’re right behind the suspect. We’re pinned down. We can’t f***ing move.”
After the adrenaline wore down, however, it became apparent that Maher’s injuries were serious but not life-threatening.
You know what … you’re doing fine, it’s just a quick shot,” the officer said. “You’re perfectly fine. It’s not that bad even…You’re going to be OK.”
Even Gardner thinks the situation could have taken a much more fatal turn.
“It could have been much worse,” Gardner said. “Thank God, the officer isn’t in a life-threatening situation.”
According to the New York Post, the young officer is in serious but stable condition.
