Bronx Mourns Murdered NYPD Officer

A small army of heavily armed officers and detectives investigate the assassination of police officer Miosotis Familia. Photo by Edwin Soto

A small army of heavily armed officers and detectives investigate the assassination of police officer Miosotis Familia. Photo by Edwin Soto

An NYPD officer was shot and killed early on Wednesday while sitting in a temporary police mobile command center on East 183rd Street and Morris Avenue in the Bronx in what Commissioner James O’Neill called an “unprovoked attack.” The gunman, identified as Alexander Bonds, 34, was shot and killed by a two-man anti-crime unit.

According to police, Bonds produced a handgun and the officers fired on the suspect, striking and killing him. A silver five-shot Ruger handgun was recovered at the scene.

Police Officer Miosotis Familia, 48, died early Wednesday morning at St. Barnabas Hospital where she was taken in critical condition after being shot in the head.

Officer Miosotis’ colleagues, residents and elected officials expressed shock and offered condolences.

 

P.O. Miosotis Familia, NYPD 46th Precinct

P.O. Miosotis Familia, NYPD 46th Precinct

Familia, 48, was the devoted mother of three — and took care of her elderly mom, according to a Bronx neighbor. She spent five years as a nurse at New York University Hospital, and another two working for the American Red Cross. [NY Daily News]

Officer Familia changed careers in June 2005 to join the NYPD where she has served for the past 12 years. At the time of her murder she was assigned to the 46th Precinct in the West Bronx.

The Daily News reported that in addition to her time as a nurse and as a Red Cross medical assistant, Familia attended Ohio State University’s College of Medicine. According to the News, she later majored in applied sciences and psychology at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice between 2007-09.

“Today, the Bronx and all of New York mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant, NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia. Officer Familia selflessly served her community for 12 years and died tragically in a senseless and cowardly act of violence.” — Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie

“This morning, I join millions of my fellow New Yorkers in mourning today’s tragic loss of New York City Police Officer Miosotis Familia. For 12 years she put her life on the line to protect her city, only to have that life brutally taken from her in an unprovoked attack while on duty. I want to offer my heartfelt sympathies to Officer Familia’s family and colleagues and thank them for supporting her in the important work she did for this City and State.” — State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan

“The death of Officer Miosotis Familia is a devastating and senseless loss felt across New York. It’s also a painful reminder of the risks the brave men and women of our police departments face each and every day – particularly as Officer Familia was protecting her community as it celebrated the Fourth of July and the values we hold dear. My deepest prayers are with Officer Familia’s family and the entire NYPD.” — NYS Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

“New York City lost a brave woman who for 12-years as an NYPD officer put her life on the line to protect all of us and keep us safe from harm. My deepest condolences go out to the family of Police Officer Miosotis Familia and her extended family in blue. This chilling, deliberate assassination of an officer on duty in The Bronx is a reminder of the risks our officers face every day while on the job.” — State Senator Jeff Klein

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in memory of New York City Police Officer Miosotis Familia, who was died earlier today after being shot in the line of duty. Flags will be flown at half-staff beginning Thursday, July 6 and remain in that position until Officer Familia’s interment.

“It is a tragic and devastating day for New York City. Hearts across the five boroughs were broken to learn that one of our finest was targeted – unprovoked – for wearing the uniform. Officer Familia gave her life protecting our neighborhoods and dedicated herself to making the world a better place. She’s a hero to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones and the entire NYPD community.” — City Comptroller Scott Stringer

“This senseless unprovoked act of violence took her life far too soon, but her dedication to New York City will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Familia’s family, loved ones, and the entire NYPD during this incredibly difficult time.” — Public Advocate Letitia James

“The assassination of Officer Miosotis Familia is an affront to our City and to the courageous men and women of the NYPD who selflessly put their lives on the line each and every day to keep New Yorkers safe.” — Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito

“To Officer Familia’s family, friends, and brothers and sisters in the NYPD and the 46th Precinct, including those who bravely responded to the call and prevented further loss of life, I offer my deepest condolences and prayers in this dark and horrific time.” — Assemblyman Victor M. Pichardo

“Senseless acts of violence like this one rock us to our core. No one should be subject to a merciless shooting. Once again, we have a sobering reminder of the need for gun reform, mental health awareness, and improved community and police relations in our country. Nothing should lead to this tragic level of violence. Whether it is an officer or a citizen, we all deserve to go home safely.” — Assemblyman Michael Blake

“Let’s keep Officer Familia, her three beloved children, her loved ones and all members of our City’s Police Department in our thoughts and prayers on this sad day. Today, without a doubt, our City has lost one of its Finest.” — State Senator Gustavo Rivera

A Department of Corrections photo of gunman Alexander Bonds, who was shot dead after fatally shooting an NYPD police officer.

A Department of Corrections photo of gunman Alexander Bonds, who was shot dead after fatally shooting an NYPD police officer.

Police sources say Alexander Bonds pulled a hoodie over his head and walked up to Officer Familia’s vehicle, shot her to death.

Officer Familia’s killer had been on parole for a robbery case in Syracuse. Corrections records indicate he was also known as John Bonds.

BREAKING NEWS: The New York Post reports that Alexander Bonds girlfriend told investigators that Bonds suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and was acting “irrational and erratic” while off his meds in the hours before gunning down NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia on Wednesday. Bonds’ girlfriend claimed that she called 911 three times to report Bonds was unhinged as they walked around The Bronx on Tuesday night.

Bonds also was arrested in 2005 in Onondaga County on a robbery case, violated parole in 2006 and was sent to the Attica Correctional Facility. The New York Post reports State Department of Correction records show that he served six years and 10 months of an eight-year sentence.

He was released in May 2013 and had encounters with police for minor offenses, including public urination and alcohol use, police officials said. Bonds was reportedly living at a home on Rev. James A. Polite Avenue in the Morrisania section of the Bronx.

In a video posted on Facebook in September, Bond ranted about the treatment of civilians by officers and talks about how hard life was behind bars. Earlier in today, news media matched photos of Bonds posted on the page to a police mugshot.

Familia was the 866th New York City police officer to die in the line of duty.

David Greene contributed to this report.

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