PD, Activists, Shomrim Hold Memorial for Slain Officer

A small contingent of police officers, community activists and members of the Shomrim volunteer patrol gathered Thursday night at the intersection where police officer Russel Timoshenko was shot and critically wounded for a prayer vigil and memorial ceremony.

Russel succumbed to his wounds a day later, while his partner Officer Herman Yan was saved thanks to his bulletproof vest.

Both officers came under fire as they attempted to pull an SUV over at the intersection of Rogers and Lefferts, striking Timoshenko in the head and vest and Yan in his vest. The suspects abandoned their vehicle on Lefferts and Kingston and fled.

After a massive manhunt across three states three suspects were apprehended by the Pennsylvania State Police and were extradited to New York where they were tried and convicted for murder.

At 1:40am, the time of the incident, a group of police officers, community activists and other volunteers held candles and said a prayer in memory of their fallen brother.

Chief Frank Vega, who served as the commanding officer of the 71st Precinct at the time of the incident, was present along with his executive officer Captain Mark DiPaolo, who now serves as commanding officer of the 84th Precinct, as well as Lieutenant John Carter, who today serves in the 67th Precinct.

Also present was Devorah Halberstam, the 71st Precinct Community Council, and a group of Shomrim Volunteers.