These hero police officers took down the NYC pipe bomb explosion suspect
MIDTOWN, Manhattan -- A Port Authority Police officer was the first at the scene to take down the man suspected of detonating a pipe bomb in an underground corridor in New York City Monday.
Officer Jack Collins arrested 27-year-old Akayad Ullah at gunpoint with the assistance of three other PAPD officers: Sean Gallagher, Anthony Manfredini and Drew Preston.
They rushed in moments after the blast at 7:20 a.m., which sent people running during the morning rush.
But Collins and other officers ran toward the scene to take down the person allegedly behind the explosion.
Collins was working his usual beat of looking for kids being trafficked at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on 42nd Street when the incident occurred.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole and Executive Director Rick Cotton praised the actions of the four officers.
"Thanks to the quick response of these brave Port Authority Police officers, the suspect was apprehended, there were no serious injuries and the PABT was secured without further incident," O'Toole said. "Our officers responded immediately and put themselves in harm's way to protect the public."
This photo from the Port Authority Police Department shows Collins in action during a normal day at work:
"Our officers' actions were commendable, and we are thankful there were no serious injuries to any travelers," Cotton said.
The White House also praised the efforts of the first responders.
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