Blood Brothers in Blue
Two NYPD sergeants are now connected in a rather profound way.
During a promotional ceremony on Friday, Police Commissioner Jessica Tish honored Sergeant Christopher Leap, 35, and Sergeant Carl Johnson, 44. Both had been shot by the same bullet while responding to a robbery at Manhattan’s Majon Parlor.
“We’re calling ourselves blood brothers now,” Johnson said. It’s interesting—these two didn’t even know each other before the shooting incident on August 1, 2024.
They both responded to reports of a robbery involving suspected gang members who had targeted women at the Lower East Side establishment. That’s when they encountered the suspect and engaged in a confrontation.
Joshua Dorsett, allegedly a member of the gang “The Notorious Up The Hill,” is said to have fired a bullet that struck Johnson in the groin, traveling through him and grazing Leap’s leg. Dorsett faces serious charges related to robbery and weapon possession; his case is still ongoing.
At the police plaza, Tish reflected on the incident: “While canvassing the area, they found a suspect and struggled to make the arrest, resulting in both officers being shot.” She added, “Even after their injuries, neither retreated. That’s real courage.”
The two sergeants were among a total of 151 police officers promoted that day, several of whom, like Leap and Johnson, advanced to the rank of Special Mission Sergeant. Their new positions come with salary increases.
Leap, who spent several months recovering from his injuries, shared that he was particularly excited about the promotion, especially since his wife was eight months pregnant at the time of the shooting.
“It’s a dangerous job—there are good people out there, but definitely some bad ones, too,” he explained. It’s heartening to see how he feels a sense of duty despite the risks involved.
Johnson, originally from Birmingham, England, also struggled with injuries, including a bullet fragment lodged in his leg. He mentioned, “I can feel it with every step.” Yet, the father of two—ages 5 and 12—plans to return to work soon.
Reflecting on his promotion, he expressed gratitude for being recognized: “It feels great. I know my mother, who recently passed, would be proud of me.”
In closing, he emphasized the dedication shown by all members of the NYPD: “This recognition truly reflects the hard work put in by everyone in the department every single day.”
