Nassau Cop Shot Dead Was Former Dix Hills Firefighter

The Nassau County police officer fatally shot near the Cross Island Parkway in Bellerose Terrace Tuesday morning was a former member of the Dix Hills Fire Department. 

The officer has been identified as 29-year-old Arthur Lopez, an eight-year veteran of the force, of Babylon Village. A moment of silence was held during the Babylon Town board meeting earlier today, where Supervisor Rich Schaffer confirmed Lopez's death.

"We are very sorry to hear about the loss of Officer Arthur Lopez, an active member of the Dix Hills Fire Department from 2003 to 2005. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family, friends and fellow Nassau County police officers," Chief of Department Richard Granahan, said in a statement Tuesday night.

The following message was also posted on the Dix Hills Fire Department Fan Page on Facebook: 

A great young man was taken from this world today... One of our own, Officer Artie Lopez of the Nassau County Police Department and a former Dix Hills firefighter. May you never be forgotten brother. Rest easy.

Police officials said at approximately 11 a.m., Lopez and his partner were on patrol in an Emergency Services Unit vehicle on Northern Boulevard near the Queens border when Lopez believed that he saw a car accident with a silver-colored Honda leaving the scene.

According to Chief of Department Steven Skrynecki, officers pursued the vehicle onto the Cross Island Parkway and surrounding streets. It was on 241st Street where they stopped the vehicle.

The suspect exited his car and fired a single shot, striking Lopez in his chest.

Lopez's partner quickly rendered first aid in the street as the suspect returned to his car and fled southbound on the Cross Island, police said.

A short time later, the suspect exited his car and stopped a second vehicle on the Cross Island, police said. The suspect fatally shot the driver of the second vehicle in the head, got into the car and continued southbound.

The suspect eventually bailed out of the second vehicle further down the Cross Island and fled on foot, police said.

Police have identified the suspect as 33-year-old Darrell Fuller.

"This tragedy is yet another sobering reminder of the risks our brave police officers face every day to keep our communities safe," offered Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice. "We will prosecute the killer who committed this despicable crime, and make no mistake, justice will be done.

The shooting comes less than one week after Nassau County Highway Patrol officer Joseph P. Olivieri was struck and killed while investigating a motor vehicle accident on the Long Island Expressway. He was laid to rest Monday.

This is a breaking news story. Patch will provide more details when they are made available.

Ryan Bonner contributed to this story.