Convict Gang Member Of Attempted Murder For Firing At Cops

A member of the Bloods street gang was convicted March 9 of trying to murder an NYPD officer during a foot chase in Jamaica, Queens last year.

After a four-day bench trial, Malcolm Arnold, 20, of Clinton, Ga., was found guilty of second-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree attempted assault. Sentencing is set for April 8, when he faces up to 25 years in prison.

Fired When Confronted

Citing trial testimony, Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said three members of the Police Department’s Gang Unit saw Mr. Arnold adjusting his waistband and holding something under his jacket at 157th St. and 109th Ave. on Jan. 13, 2009.

As the officers left their car and identified themselves, asking him to halt, Mr. Brown said, Mr. Arnold turned and pulled out a loaded semiautomatic pistol before fleeing on foot down a driveway.

At the end of the driveway, Mr. Arnold jumped on a parked car and fired a shot at two of the officers, Brown said. No one was hit. Mr. Arnold then jumped over a fence, dropped his weapon and hid under a handicapped ramp, where he was arrested. M.T.