New York Police Department officers gathered in the courtroom during the trial of a man accused of shooting a novice

By Emma Seiwell and Leonard Greene

Source New York Daily News

Novice policeman shot and injured in a confrontation with a menacing bus passenger in Queens more than 18 months later, and he still struggles with his injuries, a union leader said Thursday.

Fresh-faced Brett Boller (then 22) was just a few months into his dream job as an NYPD officer when he encountered an armed transient who shot him in the hipchanged his life and career forever.

“I was talking to Officer Boller the other day and he told me what he’s been going through for the last year and a half.” Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said ahead of the trial of an attempted murder suspect in Queens Criminal Court.

“Three surgeries, constant physiotherapy. He told me that things that were once routine are no longer routine. He relied on others to do the basic things in life – getting out of bed, changing his clothes.”

Police officers filled the courtroom as jury selection for the trial began Devin Spraggins23-year-old accused of opening fire on Boller after the officer attacked Spraggins on Parsons Blvd. bus in April 2023

Prosecutors said Spraggins was harassing a passenger about the seat when the driver called Boller and his partner to intervene.

The argument quickly moved from the bus to the street, where Boller chased the suspect. Spraggins pulled out his gun and shot an officer in the hip during a fight, police said.

“Put yourself in his shoes, he’s only 22 years old and he’s a healthy New York City cop,” Hendry said. “He had to learn again, step by step, how to perform basic activities in life. He is recovering but is still in pain every day. “He still can’t run… because of this dangerous person on trial here today.”

He emphasized that Spraggins is a dangerous man.

“He didn’t think twice about carrying a loaded firearm on the streets of Jamaica, Queens,” Hendry said. “He didn’t think twice before terrorizing people on a bus in New York. He didn’t think twice before shooting a New York City police officer in full uniform in broad daylight. This person changed a policeman’s life forever.”

Officials said Boller, the son of New York Police Department Inspector Dan Boller, has returned to limited duties and is working a desk job. A promotion to detective is planned.

His father was one of the police officers who crowded the courtroom to hear the prosecutor and defense attorney’s opening statements.

The defendant’s attorney, Michael Horn, said Spraggins was simply trying to escape. He said his client thought he was aiming at the ground when he fired the gun and did not intend to kill the officer.

“He’s not trying to hurt anyone,” Horn said. “He’s trying to escape. He’s trying to get back home to his family and child.

But Assistant District Attorney Eric Weinstein said Spraggins knew what he was doing.

“This defendant shot and killed Officer Boller without warning and without threats,” Weinstein said. “Just a pure and complete sneak attack.”

Weinstein said Spraggins pulled the trigger again, but fortunately the gun was empty.

According to the ADA, during the chase, the magazine fell out of Spraggins’ gun, leaving only one bullet in the chamber.

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