#Man who fired at cops in Queens faces life in prison, DA says

Enlarge Image

Police respond to an assault in College Point, Queens.
Kevin C. Downs

A man who shot at cops in Queens as they responded to a domestic assault call over the weekend was locked up without bail and faces life in prison, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said Tuesday.

Rodolfo Montero, 25, was charged with attempted murder in the first degree and other crimes for allegedly attacking the mother of his child Sunday and then shooting at officers when they arrived at the College Point home, authorities said.

“Police officers responded to a 911 call of a family dispute involving a firearm,” Katz said. “When they arrived on the scene, they had to take cover after being met by gunfire. Thankfully, the officers were not injured during this dangerous situation.”

Montero was hit with a laundry list of charges, including attempted murder in the first degree, attempted assault in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degree, aggravated criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment in the first degree, assault in the third degree, menacing in the second degree and others.

Montero allegedly choked the 20-year-old mother of his child during an argument at her 125th Street home. Montero’s mother tried to stop him from hurting the woman, but he slapped his mom in the face, authorities said.

Later that day, Montero and the younger woman argued again and this time Montero allegedly punched her in the face with his fist in front of their 1-year-old, officials said.

Next, Montero allegedly unwrapped a black firearm from a sock-like covering and said “I am going to kill you,” according to authorities.

The victim took her daughter and ran from the apartment along with Montero’s mother.

When police arrived at about 4:30 p.m., they heard gunfire and saw flashes coming from a window in the home. They took cover and saw bullets striking another vehicle. A brief standoff ensued before the defendant was taken into custody.

A loaded AK 47 assault rifle was recovered from the residence.

Queens Criminal Court Judge Eugene Guarino ordered Montero locked up without bail. He has a court date set for Sept. 18. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison, Katz said.