Boston Police Officer in Critical Condition After Shooting

A Boston Police officer honored for his role in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings is listed in critical condition after he was shot in the face following a traffic stop in the city's Roxbury neighborhood Friday evening, police said.

Officer John T. Moynihan, a 34-year-old who has been with the department since 2008, was transported to Boston Medical Center. Moynihan is listed in critical condition and remains sedated; however a senior Boston Police source said Saturday morning that he "had a good night" and is expected to survive and recover, NBC reported.

The 41-year-old suspect, identified as Angelo West, was killed in the shooting on Humboldt Avenue after police returned fire. Boston Police and the Suffolk District Attorney's Office have launched a thorough investigation and will determine if police were justified in the shooting death.

West was arrested in 2001 in another police-involved shooting.

Police say two other suspects that were in the vehicle are in custody "on unrelated matters."

"One of the occupants of the pulled over motor vehicle came out, he turned, he fired, he shot one of our officers under the right eye," Boston Police Commissioner William Evans told reporters Friday.

Moynihan is a decorated military veteran and active in the department's Youth Violence Strike Force, and a decorated veteran who served as a U.S. Army ranger in the Iraq War from 2005 until 2008, the year he joined the Boston Police Department.

MBTA officer Dic Donohue, who was injured in the manhunt after Boston Marathon bombings, confirms to necn that Moynihan helped rescue him back in 2013. The following year, Moynihan received the Nation's Top Cops Award from President Barack Obama, honoring him for his "heroic and relentless" response in Watertown. Also in 2014, he received the Boston Police Medal of Honor.

"Last night was a tough night and it hit home when we found out who the injured officer was. John played a part in saving my life, and that's something I will never forget," Donohue told necn in a statement Saturday. "His record of service speaks for itself. Everyone is wishing him well and we know he has the strength to pull through."

"The doctors are working hard on him," said Evans, who added that Moynihan is fighting for his life. "All our prayers are going out for him. I just ask for everyone's support in helping him pull through.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the officer injured tonight, his family and friends and the entire Boston Police Department during this difficult time," said Mayor Marty Walsh in a statement. "These acts of violence have no place in our neighborhoods. Our community is stronger than ever, and tonight, we are thankful for all of those who put their lives on the line every day to protect our city."

A middle-aged woman who was caught in the crossfire as she drove by suffered a flesh wound to her right arm.

"She's fine," said Evans, who went to visit her. "She's in good spirits, thank God."

Evans added that three officers were taken to Brigham and Women's Hospital for stress.

Mayor Marty Walsh released a statement on the incident Saturday: 

"My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Officer John Moynihan, his family, friends, the innocent person caught in the crossfire, and the entire community impacted by Friday night's violence. I have spoken with Officer Moynihan's family and Commissioner Evans and I am hopeful that under the experienced and talented team at Boston Medical Center the Officer will continue on a strong path to recovery. It is clear that Officer Moynihan is a hero for our city, and the entire nation, and today we are thankful for all of those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us."

Anyone with information is asked to call 1 (800) 494-TIPS.

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