Randy Jones: NYC man who allegedly shot off-duty cop during robbery attempt arrested with victim’s handcuffs
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers' discretion advised
EAST NEW YORK, BROOKLYN: A man suspected of nearly fatally shooting a young off-duty NYPD cop was arrested following a robbery gone awry. Sources claim he was caught after being in a hideout at an upstate hotel and was hauled off in handcuffs belonging to the critically wounded cop on Monday, February 6.
The 32-year-old suspect, Randy 'Popper' Jones, was arrested after he carried out a tragic shooting on Saturday, February 4. He reportedly discharged a firearm on a 26-year-old off-duty cop shooting him in the head while he was assisting his brother-in-law in purchasing a vehicle in East New York, Brooklyn, sources said.
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What really happened?
On Saturday, the married dad-of-two thought he was buying a Honda Pilot through Facebook Marketplace with his brother-in-law when they were ambushed by Jones. Authorities asserted that they believe the heist was staged as part of the social media car advertisement posted on Facebook because when the officer and his brother-in-law arrived on the scene, Jones instantly pulled out his firearm.
The officer and his brother-in-law were carrying $24,000 in cash to buy the supposed vehicle around 7 pm, as per New York Post. Jones reportedly then pulled a gun and fired it on the 26-year-old officer, shooting him in the head. Within split seconds, the cop’s brother-in-law grabbed the fallen officer’s gun from his holster and returned fire. However, the shooter was able to escape after he jumped into a black BMW SUV and sped the scene. The officer remains on life support at Brookdale Hospital.
Previous crime history of Randy 'Popper' Jones
Randy Jones reportedly has a long history of crime and violence. The suspect's criminal record stated he was currently being sought on a vehicle and traffic warrant dating to 2019 when he was arrested. A source claimed his rap sheet includes 22 busts, including for grand larceny, harassment, and strangulation.
Police launched a massive manhunt for the supposed cop shooter. The department also offered a $10,000 reward for anyone bringing in Jones. He was arrested after police found his abandoned SUV on Sunday at 129th Street and Park Avenue in Harlem. Jones was believed to be residing there with his girlfriend, sources said.