NCPD: Uniondale Man Fires Handgun at Cops Multiple Times While Fleeing Traffic Stop
Hempstead, NY - October 29, 2018 - The Third Squad reports the arrest of a male from Uniondale for an incident that occurred on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 12:45 a.m. in Hempstead.
According to detectives, plain clothes officers from the Bureau of Special Operations observed a 2015 black Nissan Altima fail to signal a left turn onto Lafayette Avenue. A Vehicle and Traffic Law stop was initiated. During the investigation the passenger, defendant Duane Costa, 37, was observed adjusting a large object in his waistband. He was removed from the vehicle and as he exited the vehicle he violently shoved an officer and fled on foot eastbound on Midwood Street.
While fleeing from officers Costa was observed reaching into his waistband and dropping a silver and black handgun. As he continued to flee he was observed reaching into his waistband and removed a second handgun. Costa refused all commands to drop the handgun and fired multiple rounds at the officers as they continued running eastbound. Costa continued fleeing southbound on Clinton Street where more officers joined in the foot pursuit. Costa continued to fire more rounds at the officers. A perimeter was established and with the assistance of Hempstead Police Department, Costa was located on Meriam Street and taken into custody. Both handguns were recovered. No officers were injured.
Defendant Duane Costa is being charged with four (4) counts of Murder 1st Degree (Attempt), four (4) counts of Aggravated Assault (Attempt), two (2) counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, Criminal Use of a Firearm 1st Degree and a VTL Violation. He will be arraigned on Monday, October 29, 2018 at First District Court in Hempstead.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.