A brazen photo of Joshua Dorsett, the 22-year-old suspect accused of shooting two NYPD sergeants, has surfaced, showing him defiantly flipping off police officers while in custody. The image, obtained by the New York Post, appears to capture Dorsett’s lack of remorse for the alleged crime, which occurred on the Lower East Side on Thursday.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry condemned Dorsett’s actions, stating that the photo is a snapshot of the city’s current problems. “This repeat offender has no respect for the law, no regard for human life, and no fear of consequences,” Hendry said. “The justice system needs to take a stand and show him that his behavior won’t be tolerated. These attacks on police officers will continue until the message on the streets changes.”
According to authorities, Dorsett, an alleged member of the Up the Hill gang, was involved in an armed robbery at a Canal Street mahjong parlor, where he allegedly used a gun to threaten and steal purses from patrons. Security footage shows him storming around the parlor, wearing a hoodie and face mask, and terrorizing the people inside.
When two NYPD sergeants attempted to apprehend Dorsett on nearby Eldridge Street, he allegedly fired a shot that hit both officers. Sgt. Carl Johnson was struck in the groin, while Sgt. Christopher Leap suffered a graze wound to the left leg. A.45 Taurus semi-automatic pistol was recovered from the crime scene.
Dorsett has been charged with attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and assault. He has a history of run-ins with the law, including at least three prior arrests for criminal possession of a controlled substance. According to a criminal complaint, Dorsett sold crack cocaine to an undercover officer six times between March 8 and June 6, 2022.
The shooting occurred just hours after Dorsett met with his parole officer. Sgt. Leap has been discharged from the hospital, while Sgt. Johnson remains hospitalized with a bullet fragment lodged in his thigh.
