Police officer dies in hospital after being shot on duty – NYPD

A New York police officer was killed after he was shot in the head during a confrontation with an armed man by the FDR Drive in East Harlem on Tuesday, police officials said.

The officer was identified by police as 33-year-old Randolph Holder. With his family at his side, Holder was pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital after being transferred there in critical condition.

"This is the hardest thing we do when we mourn one of our own," said NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton when announcing the death. "It never get's easier and it should never get easier."

Bratton said the area is still an active crime scene and the investigation is ongoing.

The shootout occurred when police responded to a report that gunshots were fired. They had also been told that an armed man had been seen riding a bicycle, according to law enforcement sources cited bt NBC 4.

When police caught up with the man, that was when Holder was shot and taken to Harlem Hospital.

A suspect was apprehended and taken to Cornell Hospital with a gunshot wound in his leg. He is likely to be released Wednesday morning.

Three other males were also taken into custody in relation to the incident.

A portion of the FDR was shut down due to the incident, with cars stopped in both directions.

In a post on Twitter, Mayor Bill de Blasio asked New Yorkers to keep the officer in their thoughts.