Coram Man Charged in Shooting of Suffolk Cop
A Coram man has been charged with attempted aggravated murder for allegedly shooting a Suffolk County cop who was attempting to arrest him on May 11, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Thursday.
Janell Funderburke, 20, faces 40 years to life in prison for the incident. He is also being charged for a gunpoint robbery that occurred three days before the shooting, which injured Suffolk County Police Officer Michael Lafauci, the cop who tried arresting Funderburke in Coram.
“This case is a stark reminder of the serious dangers our police officers face on a daily basis,” Tierney said. “While I am grateful that Officer Lafauci is finally at home recovering from his injuries, my office is committed to ensuring that the individual responsible for this brazen and senseless act is held responsible.”
According to police, Lafauci was surveilling a home on Homestead Drive in Coram when he spotted Funderburke, a May 8 gunpoint robbery suspect, walking southbound on the road. When Lafauci approached Funderburke in an unmarked police vehicle, Funderburke allegedly began to flee.
Police say that Lafauci then identified himself to Funderburke, pursued him on foot, and ordered him to show his hands. Funderburke allegedly did not comply and continued fleeing. He then allegedly turned to Lafauci and fired his gun twice at the officer, striking him in the upper right thigh.
Funderburke then allegedly continued to flee, while officers came to Lafauci’s aid. The officer was rushed to Stony Brook Hospital and underwent emergency surgery. He is now at home recovering. Funderburke was arrested the same day.
The defendant was charged in a 13-count indictment on Thursday that includes criminal possession of weapons, a firearm, and controlled substances, as well as robbery and assault. He faces an additional 25 years in prison on top of a maximum of 40 for attempted murder.
Funderburke
