A New Jersey woman has claimed she suffered “devastating and permanent injuries” from a car accident allegedly triggered by an NYPD officer who discharged his weapon during a road rage incident, according to a lawsuit.
In documents filed in Manhattan federal court, Stephanie Hammel detailed her injuries, which include a collapsed lung, multiple fractures, and ongoing heart issues. This series of events began when the officer shot another driver in southern New Jersey, leading to a collision.
Tran, 28, had returned to Yonkers when he unexpectedly fired at another vehicle while stopped at a red light late one evening in May 2024.
The other driver, Kishan Patel, was returning home from his family’s liquor store and sustained injuries when his car surged forward upon being hit, subsequently colliding with Hammel’s vehicle.
This accident left Patel, 30, paralyzed. He filed a lawsuit against Tran in October.
“He’s in a terrible condition, with possibly just 10-50% brain function,” stated Patel’s attorney Joseph Maron, highlighting the challenges faced by Patel’s family, who are grappling with “multiple million dollar” debts.
Legal documents indicate that both the city and the NYPD failed to take action despite being aware of Tran’s transfer from Harlem to the department’s public relations unit.
“New York City and the NYPD are responsible for this tragic incident,” the victim asserted in his court filing.
Tran has been suspended without pay by the NYPD, as per department policy.
The city plans to review the case when presented.
Currently, Tran is in Camden County Correctional Facility and has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted murder, possession of a weapon, aggravated assault, and endangering victims.
The attorney representing the officer did not provide an immediate comment when approached.
