Ithaca Police Officer Shot

10/12/2012 (Updated 11:38:10 PM)

After several surgeries, an Ithaca Police Officer is heading toward recovery after being shot last night. Tom Allen was in Ithaca Friday and brings back some details of how it happened, and who the suspect is.

This was the scene around 11 o'clock last night in Ithaca after Police Officer Anthony Augustine was shot.  Authorities say 22 year old Jamel Booker of Ithaca led police on a chase thru the city's west side after stealing  a vehicle with car keys left inside.

"Following a short pursuit the vehicle made an abrupt turn into Elmcrest Circle where the driver jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot." said Edward Vallely, Ithaca Chief of Police.

Authorities say police then pursued Booker thru a wooded area as they yelled for him to stop.

"As Officer Augustine advanced using a trail through the woods, the suspect and Officer Augustine exited the woods at the same time.  The suspect turned and fired one shot striking Officer Augustine in the left chest area and then continued to run into the West Village Apartments."
said the Chief of Police.

Authorities say Officer Augustine was taken to a hospital where he underwent shoulder surgery.  Police say Booker who has a prior record was arrested at the apartment complex around 5 oclock this morning  without incident. 

He's been charged with Aggravated Assault of a Police Officer and Criminal Use of a Firearm, both felonies. His bail has been set at 500 thousand dollar cash or a one million dollar bond.

Now Ithaca's Mayor says he did visit Officer Augustine at a Syracuse Hospital this afternoon.  He said the officer did undergo a second surgery this morning and he appears to be in good spirits and is expected to make a full recovery.  In Ithaca, Tom Allen, Fox 40 News

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