Brooklyn correctional officer went on illegal high-speed car chase, firing bullets

September 30, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER AT THE METROPOLITAN DETENTION CENTER IN SUNSET PARK WAS CHARGED with overstepping his authority, engaging in an illegal high-speed car chase and violating a person of his constitutional rights last year while acting under color of law.

The complaint, unsealed on Monday, Sept. 30, charges that 49-year-old Leon Wilson, while on duty and driving a Bureau of Prisons issued minivan, allegedly chased a civilian vehicle from the MDC-Brooklyn staff parking lot and through a large section of Brooklyn before firing three gunshots towards the car, and at least one struck an occupant.

Wilson had no authority to pursue the BMW past MDC-Brooklyn’s property line, but he did so anyway, ultimately chasing the BMW to the edge of the Brooklyn Bridge, around five miles away. During the chase, Wilson exceeded the speed limit, passed other vehicles and ran red lights. Approximately two minutes after the chase began — nearly a mile from MDC-Brooklyn — Wilson fired three shots at the BMW, one of which penetrated the rear of the vehicle and struck a passenger in the back seat. Wilson continued to chase the BMW for several minutes after firing his weapon. He never reported the on-duty shooting to the NYPD, MDC-Brooklyn or BOP personnel.

Wilson, who lives in the Bronx according to the court document, was taken into federal custody on Sunday and was scheduled to be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Marcia M. Henry.

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