Two New York city police officers are clinging to life today. They were responding to a call for help when their cruiser got crushed.
Sources at Jamaica Hospital say the officers are holding on. They were severely injured last night and when the accident occurred they were just doing their jobs.
The two female officers were responding to a call about a man with a gun around 9:00 p.m. last night. Their cruiser, with its lights flashing, was broadsided by a black Ford station wagon.
Ray Kelly, NYPD Commissioner: "That impact forced their car into a city bus that was stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of Fresh Pond Road and 71st avenue."
Family members rushed to Jamaica hospital, where 36-year-old Sergeant Dorian Burrell and 26-year-old officer Elaine Mamolite were taken.
Eyewitnesses say the officers were unconscious when they were removed from their cruiser. Its unclear how fast they were going and whether they were wearing seatbelts.
The bus driver was treated for neck and back injuries at Elmhurst Hospital. The driver of the station wagon suffered minor injuries. He was also taken to Elmhurst.
Kelly: "A 19-year-old male named Manuel Rodriguez who was the subject of the original pursuit was subsequently arrested for menacing and criminal possession of a weapon."
Mayor Bloomberg reminded New Yorkers of the 38,000 New York City cops who put their lives in danger every day.
Michael Bloomberg, NYC Mayor: "I think everybody should say a little prayer for them that is all we can do."
Members of the officer's families are with them this morning. There have been police cars at the hospital off and on throughout the night. Officer Burrell is an eight-year veteran of the force and Officer Mamolite joined the force in July of last year.
There were two passengers on that bus but they where unhurt and no charges have been filed as of yet as a result of the accident.