Family Of Paralyzed Kishan Patel Sues NY For Road Rage Shooting
Photo:Fox 5 New York
India-West News Desk
NEW YORK, NY – The family of Kishan Patel, a New Jersey man left paralyzed following a road rage incident involving an off-duty NYPD officer, has filed a lawsuit against the officer, the city of New York, and key officials, including Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Edward Caban. The lawsuit claims gross negligence and failure by the city to address the officer’s mental health and behavioral issues before the tragic shooting.
Kishan Patel, 30, was shot on May 17, during what investigators describe as a road rage altercation in Voorhees Township, New Jersey. Police arrived at the scene to find Patel, who had crashed into multiple vehicles, suffering from a gunshot wound. Patel’s injuries included a broken vertebra, brain damage, and cardiac arrest. His condition has left him paralyzed, with limited cognitive function, and he has since been transferred to a specialized facility in Texas.
Hieu Tran, a 27-year-old off-duty NYPD officer, was identified as the shooter after an investigation by Voorhees Township Police and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. According to investigators, Tran used his department-issued firearm in the incident then drove to a gas station, refueled, and returned to New York to resume his duties the next day as if nothing had transpired.
The lawsuit, filed by Patel’s family on October 1 alleges that Tran had a history of mental health challenges and alcoholism that were well-documented within the NYPD. Despite these red flags, the lawsuit claims Tran remained in active duty, carrying a firearm. “Tran was known as a ‘problem officer,’” the lawsuit states, “yet no actions were taken to remove him from the force or prevent him from being armed.”
Patel’s family attorneys argue that the NYPD failed to act on recommendations made after a psychological evaluation of Tran, which highlighted his need for treatment. “His commanding officer knew of Tran’s alcoholism and mental health struggles, yet nothing was done,” the filing reads. The suit claims this negligence directly contributed to the events that led to Patel’s paralysis.
Following the shooting, Tran was arrested and charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a weapon. He remains in custody in Camden County, New Jersey, and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Patel’s mother, Manjina Patel, expressed her devastation over the incident, particularly over how it unfolded. “Kishan hit five cars after being shot, and the officer just left him there. No one should be able to walk away from something like this,” she told NBC.
The family is seeking damages for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and the lifelong care Patel will require as a result of his injuries.
