Suffolk Man Pleads Guilty To Shooting At Police Officer

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Middle Island man pleaded guilty on Tuesday in connection with shooting at a Suffolk County police officer in December, Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini announced. The attempted shooting followed a car crash in Middle Island, Sini said.

Leroy Jones, 28, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon (a class C violent felony). He is expected to be sentenced to 11 years in prison with five years of post-release supervision in accordance with his plea agreement.

"This is a stark reminder that police officers put their lives on the line every single day, even
when responding to a seemingly routine traffic incident," Sini said via news release. "[Tuesday's]
disposition ensures that the defendant faces a significant prison sentence for endangering the life
of a police officer and showing a complete disregard for the law and the safety of others."

At around 8:20 p.m. Dec. 23, 2019, Jones was driving a 2020 Volvo sedan southbound on Wellington Road in Middle Island when he struck the passenger side of a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder traveling westbound on Middle Country Road. A Suffolk police officer in a marked car responded.

Jones ran away, prompting the officer to chase him. Jones then fired a handgun at the officer. The officer, who was not hit, returned fire and continued to pursue Jones. He was arrested Jan. 5 following an investigation.

"Police officers put their lives at risk each day to provide assistance and safety to members of the
public," Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said. "This case serves as a
reminder of the dangers those who wear a uniform face, and I applaud the District Attorney’s
Office for ensuring Leroy Jones pays for his crime."

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 1.