New York City Police Officer Shot, Multiple Civilians Stabbed After Large Party

NEW YORK (TheBlaze/AP) — Authorities say a New York City police officer has been shot after exchanging gunfire with a suspect involved in a large fight.

New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton said 25-year-old Officer Sharrod Stewart was shot in the ankle early Saturday morning, the day of his fourth anniversary with the department.

A 19-year-old suspect, Christopher Rice, was in serious condition at the same hospital, the commissioner said.

Stuart and other officers were responding to a street fight with guns, bats and knives following a large party in the Bronx at around 2 a.m., according to Bratton.

Stuart was struck in the right foot during an exchange of gunfire with Rice, Bratton said. Stuart returned fire, striking Rice four times, according to Bratton.

Five people from the melee were treated at hospitals for stab wounds, Bratton said, and four guns were recovered from the area.

Bratton said Rice had five prior arrests — including one Friday on a charge of fare beating. He said Rice was released from court at 11 p.m. Friday, just three hours before the shooting.

Bratton, who joined Mayor Bill de Blasio at a news conference at Lincoln Hospital after both men visited the wounded officer, said Stuart is the son of an NYPD detective who is currently on active duty with the U.S. Army.

De Blasio called Stuart "an impressive young man who went into this very dangerous situation and handled himself so well."

The shooting comes a day after a Philadelphia police officer was ambushed by a suspect and shot three times.

Bratton said a 19-year-old with a criminal history is in custody. He had been released following fare beating charges three hours prior to the shooting.

Officials said Stewart's injuries are not life-threatening.

The police department is expected to release more details later Saturday morning.

#Breaking: An NYPD Officer and several others have been hurt in a shooting in the Bronx. @Nyrogerstern is heading to the scene.

— 1010 WINS (@1010WINS) January 9, 2016

1 cop shot in ankle in Bronx breaking up a fight. Stable. At least six civilians hurt, most stabbed. 2 critical. #1010WINS

— NYRogerStern (@NYRogerStern) January 9, 2016

This story has been updated.

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