'Horrific attack': Man allegedly shot 2 NYPD officers, held 20 at gunpoint

Editor's note: The above video aired on Aug. 1, 2024.

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) --- A man is accused of shooting two NYPD sergeants after holding up around 20 people playing mahjong in a Canal Street building last month, authorities said.

Joshua Dorsett, 22, was indicted Tuesday on two counts of attempted murder, assault, robbery, and aggravated assault upon a police officer in connection to the Aug. 1 incident, prosecutors said.

Dorsett allegedly held up a group of 20 at gunpoint and went around the room pointing a .45 pistol at them while stealing several purses, a bookbag, and cash before running off at around 4 p.m., according to court records.

The defendant then allegedly went into a clothing store to buy a new outfit to disguise his appearance but left without any purchases.

When the officers stopped Dorsett, he was holding the gun in his right pocket and fired while being handcuffed, according to court records. The bullet hit one officer's thigh before striking and injuring his partner. 

The officer who was shot in the thigh still has a large bullet fragment lodged in his leg, prosecutors said.

"I hope Sergeants Carl Johnson and Christopher Leap continue to heal from this horrific attack,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.  

Dorsett pled not guilty and is being held without bail, according to court records.

His attorney could not immediately be reached Tuesday.