Jury selection for man who allegedly shot rookie cop in Queens begins

Jury selection for a Queens man who allegedly shot at police officers in 2023 begins this week. Eagle file photo by Walter Karling

By Noah Powelson

The jury trial for a Queens man arrested for shooting at police officers in 2023 began on Monday in Queens Criminal Court.

Devin Spraggins, a 22-year-old, was indicted and arraigned in May of 2023 for the alleged attempted murder of rookie NYPD officer Brett Boller. The cop had attempted to arrest Spraggins after an alleged assault took place on April 5, 2023, and was shot following the confrontation and chase.

Jury selection in the trial kicked off in Queens on Monday.

“The brazen shooting of a police officer in broad daylight will not go unanswered.” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement at the time of the shooting. “We will not let up in our efforts to get guns off the street and keep our officers and communities safe.”

According to the charges against Spraggins, while riding an MTA bus driving through Jamaica Avenue towards 160 Street, he allegedly punched another passenger during a dispute over a bus seat. During the fight, he allegedly pulled out a gun.

Boller and another officer were patrolling nearby at the time and were flagged down by the bus driver. Spraggins then allegedly took off running.

The two officers eventually caught up with Spraggins.

Street video surveillance footage that was later released to the public showed the chase between Boller and Spraggins that occurred last April. In the footage, Boller is seen catching up to the fleeing Spraggins and attempting to restrain him, before Boller suddenly collapses to the ground.

Spraggins allegedly shot Boller in the leg as the two struggled on the ground.

Spraggins is seen with his arm extended pointing what appears to be a firearm at someone out of view of the camera.

Boller's partner fired at Spraggins, who fled into a nearby parking garage.

A nearby crowd emerged to observe the wounded Boller while his partner called for an ambulance and backup.

Boller’s partner was not injured during the shooting.

Boller was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and survived his injuries. After undergoing three separate surgeries, he was released nine days later to a standing ovation from dozens of uniformed NYPD officers.

The Queens DA office said security footage NYPD obtained showed Spraggins removing his jacket and sweatshirt in the parking garage before entering a black Nissan identified as a Lyft car.

A handgun magazine with 15 bullets in it was later found on the ground at the scene.

The man who allegedly shot rookie police officer Brett Boller in April 2023 will soon be on trial in Queens Criminal Court.  File photo via fundthefirst.com

While Spraggins lists his home address in Queens, he is known to live in multiple residences in Queens and the Bronx. A search warrant was issued for his identified residence on 215 Street in the Bronx, where he was arrested. As Spraggins lacked a consistent residence, social media tracking played a key role in locating him, police said.

"Investigation into the shooting was multifaceted and included video tracking, vehicle identification, social media work, computer work, electronic surveillance and investigative interviews," NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said during a press conference at the time of Spraggins’ arrest.

Boller, who joined the force less than three months before his shooting, is the son of NYPD Inspector Don Boller. Essig said he had worked with Boller’s father for 15 years, and that it was hard not to get emotional hearing about police shootings.

“It’s difficult to describe an incident when you hear, ‘officer shot.’ There’s just so many emotions that go through you when that happens,” Essig said.

During Spraggins' arraignment last year, the courtroom was packed wall to wall with uniformed NYPD officers to listen to the charges.

Spraggins pleaded not guilty to all charges issued against him.

Jury selection is likely to finish this week. Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder is presiding over Spraggins’ case.

If convicted, Spraggins faces up to 40 years to life in prison.