Suspect faces murder charges in shooting of NY police officer

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - A suspect has been arrested for allegedly killing 22-year veteran police officer Monday by shooting him in the face.

Lamont Pride, 27, was arrested after being chased by officers when he ran from the scene. He is charged with shooting Officer Peter Figoski in the face when he responded to a break-in at a basement apartment in Brooklyn, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said. 

It is not clear when he will be arraigned, and there is no information on whether he has an attorney. A second suspect is still at large.

Figoski, who could have retired two years ago with a full pension, was pronounced dead at 7:17 a.m, hours after the shooting occurred.

The building owner called 911 at about 2:15 a.m after the suspects broke down a tenant's door, demanded money, pistol whipped him and took $700 in cash and a watch. The two suspects had attempted to flee, but couldn't find a way out through the back of the apartment. They saw officers walk past them, and while trying to escape from the front, ran into Figoski, allegedly shooting him once.

Figoski's partner, Glenn Estrada was struggling with a second suspect in the front of the house when he heard the shot and saw the suspect taking off. He chased him for four blocks and caught him. He was treated for minor injuries during the fight.

Kelly said, "I want to commend Officer Estrada, who had the presence of mind to focus on the man with the gun, and the courage to chase him down and capture him."

The supposed murder weapon and a ski mask the tenant said the suspect was wearing were found near the scene.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an outspoken advocate for gun control, said the gun was purchased illegally and he reiterated his desire for stricter gun laws around the country.

"These guns are bought and used to kill people and you saw that this morning," he said. "It is a family that had dedicated its lives to making this city safe and it's just such a tragedy."