NYPD Officer Robert Salerno Shot in the Stomach by Santiago Urena Angered at Being Spurned by Home Health Aide

NYPD Officer Robert Salerno shot in the stomach by Santiago Urena after being called to the home by home health aide Yesenia Rodriguez.

Robert Salerno, 25, an officer with the New York Police Department, was shot in the stomach by Santiago Urena, in the Bronx, NY, after a home health aide, Yesenia Rodriguez, rejected his advances and angered him. According to the NY Daily News, Rodriguez called the police after Urena pulled a gun and threatened her. He opened fire without warning when the police arrived on the scene. Officer Salerno, a three-year veteran from the 44th Precinct, was reportedly shot twice below the stomach and was rushed to Lincoln Hospital, where he is listed in serious condition. The gunman was later found dead with a wound to the head.

Salerno returned fire 16 times and three other officers fired a total of five rounds in the 12:30 p.m. confrontation. Urena briefly barricaded himself in Apartment 2G at 3073 Park Ave., part of the Morrisania Air Rights houses, about six blocks from Yankee Stadium.

Afterwards, Urena's 90-year-old mother was carried out, hooked up to an oxygen machine. A police source said Urena had been asking the married Rodriguez out on a date for a few months. She worked 12 hour shifts in their home. The last straw came when he harassed her as she talked on the phone to her husband in the Dominican Republic. Source: NY Daily News

Thankfully, the officer is expected to live. I am amazed at how people often characterize the perpetrators in these heinous crimes as a "good guy" and a "quiet person." They seek to make excuses for their despicable actions. It is equally amazing how easy these dirtbags can obtain guns. My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Salerno and his family.