In a harrowing incident that unfolded early Sunday morning in Long Island City, an off-duty police officer was shot in the leg during an attempted carjacking. The officer, who had just left a gentlemen’s club, was targeted while sitting in his distinctive green BMW, parked in the vicinity of Queens Plaza South. What followed was a tense sequence of events that would see both suspects arrested and charged with multiple crimes.
The Crime and the Officer’s Narrow Escape
The off-duty officer, a 25-year-old man, was driving his green BMW when two suspects, later identified as Denzel Brown and Marvin Danquah, approached his vehicle. The two men, driving a Nissan, blocked the officer’s car, attempting to forcefully steal it. Surveillance video from a nearby building captured the critical moment when the suspects boxed in the BMW and one of the assailants stepped out of the vehicle.
In a desperate attempt to escape, the officer drove his car onto the sidewalk, trying to evade the carjacking. As he maneuvered, a gunshot rang out, striking him in the leg. Despite being grazed by the bullet, the officer managed to accelerate away from the scene, speeding off in an effort to reach safety. As he drove, the injured officer covered about a mile before managing to flag down a marked NYPD patrol car.
The Identity of the Suspects
The two men involved in the attempted carjacking have long criminal histories. Denzel Brown, one of the suspects, has a particularly troubling record. A level three sex offender, he has been arrested multiple times, including a conviction in 2015 for raping a girl under 16. Brown spent seven years behind bars for that crime. In addition to his history as a sex offender, Brown was also wanted for questioning in connection with a 2023 subway slashing in East Harlem. Authorities have also linked him to several other incidents, showcasing a pattern of violent behavior.
The other suspect, Marvin Danquah, also has a lengthy criminal background. At 26 years old, Danquah has been arrested a dozen times for various crimes, including assault, robbery, and even passing counterfeit money at a CVS earlier this month. His involvement in this crime added another layer of seriousness to an already dangerous situation.
The Immediate Response and Arrests
After the shooting, bystanders quickly reacted, with some calling the police and seeking shelter from the gunfire. The off-duty officer’s swift escape and subsequent decision to flag down a nearby patrol car likely saved his life. Once he met with the officers, the situation quickly unfolded, leading to the identification and arrest of both suspects.
Police later apprehended Brown and Danquah, both of whom face serious charges. The attempted carjacking escalated into an attempted murder charge, with both men being charged with attempted murder, robbery, and criminal possession of a weapon. These charges reflect the severity of their actions and the potential for a much more tragic outcome had the officer not managed to flee the scene.
The Fallout of the Crime
The attempted carjacking serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face, even when they are off duty. For the officer involved, the experience has no doubt been traumatic, but his quick thinking and ability to escape likely prevented what could have been a much worse outcome. The emotional toll of the attack, coupled with the physical injury, will likely affect the officer’s ability to return to work in the immediate future.
For the suspects, this incident has further cemented their criminal paths. Both men are now facing serious charges, and their long histories of arrests and violent behavior suggest they pose a significant danger to society. The police department and the community at large will be keeping a close eye on the legal proceedings, as the case moves forward.
Conclusion
The attempted carjacking in Long Island City highlights not only the dangers faced by law enforcement officers but also the deep-rooted issues of repeat offenders in the criminal justice system. With both suspects having extensive criminal records, the case raises questions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation and sentencing, as well as the challenges of keeping dangerous individuals off the streets. As the legal process unfolds, the community watches closely, hoping for justice to be served in a case that could have ended much worse.