Man indicted for shooting two NYPD officers after robbing group at gunpoint: DA

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A man was indicted on Tuesday for shooting two police officers after robbing a group of people at gunpoint in Manhattan, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced.

Joshua Dorsett, 22, was charged with attempted murder, assault, and aggravated assault upon a police officer, among other charges.

“As alleged, Joshua Dorsett shot two NYPD officers while fleeing from the scene of the armed robbery where he targeted a group of people playing mahjong,” Bragg said. “Every day, the brave members of the NYPD risk their lives to protect New Yorkers, and Dorsett’s alleged actions could have killed these responding officers.”

According to court documents, on Aug. 1, Dorsett allegedly held a group of about 20 people at gunpoint while they were gathered inside a building on Canal Street playing a game of mahjong.

He allegedly entered the room with a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, pointing it directly at several individuals as he went around the room stealing purses, a bookbag, cash, and other belongings.

After leaving the building, Dorsett went into a clothing store where he attempted to purchase a change of clothes to disguise his appearance, according to prosecutors. When he was unable to buy anything, he eventually fled.

Once police officers located Dorsett and tried to arrest him, he ran away while clutching the gun in his right pants pocket. When the officers stopped him, he refused to give them his right hand, instead clinging to the gun.

Before being handcuffed, Dorsett allegedly fired the gun in his pocket, striking two of the officers. The bullet entered the upper leg of one officer, leaving behind a significant fragment, before striking and injuring a second officer.

Dorsett was also charged with robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, and assault in the second degree.