Justice Served: Man Convicted for Shooting NYPD Officer Over Bus Seat Row in Queen!
A man in Queens has been found guilty of attempted murder after a jury determined he shot a rookie NYPD officer during a dispute over a bus seat.
Devin Spraggins, 22, was involved in a heated argument on a Queens bus in April 2023, which escalated into a violent encounter with 22-year-old Officer Brett Boller, who had only been on the job for three months.
The confrontation began when Spraggins boarded the bus at 160th St. and Parsons Blvd. in Queens. According to former NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig, Spraggins walked up to a passenger on the bus and demanded, “Why are you looking at me? You’re in my seat!”
The bus driver noticed the altercation and flagged down Officer Boller for assistance. When Boller attempted to intervene, Spraggins pushed him aside and fled the bus.
Officer Boller pursued Spraggins on foot. When he caught up to him, Spraggins drew a gun from his waistband and fired at Boller, hitting him in the leg. The gunshot shattered Boller’s hip and severed his femoral artery, causing a life-threatening injury.
According to Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, despite his injury, Boller’s quick response and the work of his fellow officers helped to prevent a tragedy.
Hendry expressed gratitude that Spraggins was being held accountable and emphasized the need for the maximum sentence to be imposed.
After the shooting, Spraggins fled the scene, taking steps to disguise his appearance. He reportedly changed clothes and cut his hair before arranging a ride through a Lyft service to the Bronx.
Eventually, the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force tracked down and arrested him at an apartment building on Bronx Blvd., where NYPD Inspector Don Boller, the officer’s father, was present during the arrest.
Throughout the trial, Inspector Boller and fellow officers filled the courtroom to support Boller. As of now, Boller is still recovering from his injuries.
Hendry reported that Boller has had to undergo three surgeries and attend ongoing physical therapy. Routine tasks have become challenging for him, requiring assistance for simple actions like getting out of bed or changing clothes.
In the time since the shooting, Boller has been promoted to detective, though he remains on restricted duty as he continues his recovery.
Spraggins is set to receive his sentence on December 2, with many advocating for the harshest penalty allowed by law.