5-15-2023 11:33pm

Accused Cop Shooter Was Once Rescued From Burning Car By Suffolk County Police

Samantha Hespos Editor

Members of the same police force, who rescued the 20-year-old man in the past, are now accusing him of shooting a police officer during a foot chase on Long Island.

On May 12th, in Suffolk County Court, Jennel Funderburke from Coram denied the charge of attempted murder in relation to the shooting of a Suffolk County Police officer the day before.

According to the police, Funderburke's home in Coram, which is situated near Norfleet Lane on Homesteads Drive, was under police surveillance on May 11, Thursday, as a part of an investigation related to armed robbery.

According to reports, Officer Michael Lafauci pursued him on foot after he ran away from the house upon seeing the police.

According to the police, while running, Funderburke discharged two rounds from behind and hit Lafauci in the right thigh.

At a news conference, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison informed reporters that Lafauci, who had been working for the department for six years and was a new father, received emergency surgery at Stony Brook University Hospital.

His condition has improved from serious to fair condition.

Harrison requested that you remember him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

According to Suffolk County PBA President Noel DiGerolamo, the shooting occurred three years after Funderburke and three others were saved from a fiery car by Suffolk County Police officers. DiGerolamo shared this information with reporters on Friday outside the courtroom.

"They rescued him, but demanded that he make an assassination attempt in exchange," he stated, highlighting the consequences of our Albany leaders' actions.

According to DiGerolamo, the police discovered illicit drugs and a firearm that belonged to Funderburke after the car was salvaged.

Funderburke was arrested at the scene Friday and charged with:

Attempted aggravated murder
First-degree robbery

Harrison stated that Funderburke is part of the Bloods gang and has been in "multiple interactions with law enforcement," including being charged with possessing a weapon illegally in August 2022.

As he departed from his court appearance on Friday, he informed the journalists present that he apologized and expressed remorse for his actions by saying, "Please convey my apologies to him. I did not intend to do it."