Camrin Williams, also known as C-Blu, a 16-year-old rapper, was absolved of allegedly shooting an NYPD officer.
In January, Williams allegedly shot an officer in the leg during a struggle that ensued after he disobeyed police orders.
Additionally, Williams was on probation for a prior gun offense. The officer has healed from his injury.
Without further explanation, the New York City Law Department announced on Friday that Williams could not be prosecuted.
Patrick Lynch, president of the New York City Police Benevolent Association, reacted angrily to the decision.
“This absurd decision should outrage every New Yorker who wants to get illegal guns off our streets. There is no dispute that this individual was caught carrying an illegal gun for the second time. If perps like this face absolutely no consequences, even after shooting a cop, we have to ask: why bother sending us out to get the guns at all?” Lynch said in a statement.
In January, Officer Kaseem Pennan was shot during a struggle with the teen in the Bronx neighborhood of Belmont.
Williams was released following the shooting after posting a $250,000 bond, reportedly with cash from a record label.
Mayor of New York City at the time, Eric Adams, condemned the release.
“New Yorkers should all be outraged that a repeat offender, accused of shooting at a police officer, is today walking free on bond because judges are precluded from even considering danger to the community, like every other state and our federal courts.
It is further proof that our current system is failing us. Today of all days, with the city in mourning over the deaths of Detective First-Grade Jason Rivera and Police Officer Wilbert Mora, we all must come together and agree that changes are needed.
We cannot allow those who carry guns to walk free – we can pursue safety and justice at the same time, and we must, for the safety of all of us,” Adams said.
