Crime & Safety

Officer Collins Out of Coma: Police

The Suffolk police officer, who was shot in the neck and hip in Huntington Station, is 'responsive,' officials say.

After being in a drug-induced coma following two gunshot wounds while in Huntington Station, Suffolk Police Officer Mark Collins is now out of a drug-induced coma, police told Patch Thursday evening.

Collins “is conscious and responsive,” a police spokesman said.

Assigned to the Second Precinct Crime Section Gang Unit, Collins was in an unmarked police vehicle late Wednesday when he pulled over a car with four people inside. As Collins and two other officers approached the vehicle, a man inside the car got out and confronted Collins, shooting the 12-year veteran twice, once in the neck and once in the hip, police said.

Find out what's happening in Huntingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Collins,of North Bellmore, was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital, and is expected to recover.

The alleged shooter, Sheldon Leftenant, of Huntington Station, was charged with attempted aggravated murder and resisting arrest.

Find out what's happening in Huntingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

SCPD photo of Officer Mark Collins

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