NYPD sergeant wounded in Bronx shooting released from hospital

The Bronx NYPD sergeant injured in a harrowing shooting involving police and an armed attacker was released from the hospital Saturday to the encouragement of a group of officers.

Sgt. Nicholas Novak humbly accepted applause from the line of NYPD supporters as he left Jacobi Hospital, with his pregnant wife at his side.

Novak, a 12-year veteran of the department, is currently assigned to the 49th Precinct’s Quality of Life Enforcement Team, or Q-Team, officials said. He and his wife are expecting their third child.

Novak suffered a serious head injury as he and his colleagues grappled with gunman Antonio Morales, 18, who had just fired several shots as officers approached, officials said.

The violent confrontation broke out at the teen’s home on E. Gun Hill Road near Hone Ave. in Williamsbridge, around 9:16 p.m. Thursday.

Officers at the scene initially thought Novak had been hit by a stray bullet, but it was later determined that he had hit his head when he was knocked to the hallway floor.

The sergeant was conscious and talking as he was rushed to Jacobi Hospital.

Morales, who authorities say already has a violent past, was shot twice in the melee and was in critical condition at the same hospital, authorities said.

The teenager was shot in the lower back. A second bullet entered his armpit and chipped his spine, his mother told the Daily News Friday.

Criminal charges against Morales were pending Saturday.

Officers were called to Morales’ home after his father told police the teen had robbed his mother and brother at gunpoint.

Officers showed up at the address and tried to “keep the door closed” to the first-floor apartment where Morales was found while they waited for an NYPD emergency services unit to arrive, NYPD Patrol Chief Philip Rivera said Thursday.

While the officers waited, Morales fired three shots from inside the apartment, opened the door and ran straight at the responding officers.

“A struggle ensued as the officers attempted to arrest him, and one of the officers fell backwards and hit his head,” Rivera said. “A police officer then fired a gun, striking the attacker twice, once in the lower back and once in the right arm.”

Police recovered a loaded firearm and a bag from the teen.

The teen’s mother, who admitted her son suffered from mental illness, gave The News a different account of the circumstances that led police to the scene. She claimed that her son did not steal from her and that the entire feud was between Morales and his father.

Among Morales’ recent arrests was a Jan. 8 arrest for attempted murder in an incident involving a 15-year-old, cops said.

Morales, who was 17 at the time and has two tattoos on his face reading “007” and “Loyalty,” was released after posting $35,000 bail, according to court documents.

The teenager was also the victim of a shooting and was listed as a witness to two other acts of violence, according to police sources familiar with the case.

“One of the most dangerous situations a police officer can respond to is an incident of domestic violence,” said Vincent Vallelong, president of the Sergeants’ Benevolent Association, who was present during Novak’s walkout Saturday. “The individual involved in this shooting had a violent criminal history and posed a serious threat to society. The courageous actions demonstrated by our sergeant illustrate the dedication and commitment our members make every day to keep the public safe.”

“We are extremely fortunate because although this sergeant suffered serious head injuries, he is expected to make a full recovery,” he said.