Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini has announced the guilty plea of a Middle Island man to attempted aggravated assault on a police officer for shooting at a Suffolk County Police officer following a motor vehicle crash in December 2019.
“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,” District Attorney Sini said. “Today’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.”
“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.”
Leroy Jones, 28, of Middle Island, pleaded guilty today in front of Suffolk County Court Judge Timothy Mazzei to Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer with a Deadly Weapon, a class C violent felony. Pursuant to the plea agreement, he is expected to be sentenced to 11 years in prison with five years of post-release supervision.
At approximately 8:20 p.m. on 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 County Police officer in a marked vehicle responded to the scene. Jones fled the scene on foot and the officer ran after him, at which time Jones fired a handgun at the officer. The officer, who was not hit, returned fire and continued the pursuit.
Following an investigation, Jones was arrested by Sixth Squad detectives on Jan. 5.
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 1.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Elizabeth Moran, Amanda Scheier, and Veronica McMahon, of the Enhanced Prosecution Bureau.