BROOKLYN, N.Y. (VINnews) — An NYPD detective was injured in an exchange of gunfire with an armed 18-year-old early Sunday in Brooklyn, with police crediting the detective’s body armor for preventing a more serious outcome.

The confrontation occurred before dawn in the Crown Heights neighborhood after officers encountered an armed suspect while on enhanced patrol following the July Fourth holiday, authorities said.

The detective was struck in the back but sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital. Another officer suffered minor injuries during the incident.

Police said officers returned fire, but the suspect was not hit. He fled the scene before being apprehended after a brief pursuit. Investigators also recovered a handgun believed to have been used in the shooting.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the gunfire, and criminal charges are expected against the suspect.

NYC: NYPD detective shot in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Cops responded to a 911 call for shots fired at Nostrand Avenue and St. Johns Place at 4:14 a.m. The detective was rushed to the hospital with minor injuries.

An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested and a gun recovered,… pic.twitter.com/IOGY8ccBGJ

— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) July 5, 2026

.@NYPDPC and @NYCMayor provide updates on an ongoing investigation in Brooklyn. https://t.co/oSgntSayRp

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) July 5, 2026