Paralyzed New York detective who became voice for peace dies
NEW YORK (AP) — New York Police Department Detective Steven McDonald, who was paralyzed by a teenage shooter's bullet in 1986 but publicly forgave the shooter and became an international voice for peace, died Tuesday at age 59.
McDonald had been hospitalized Friday on Long Island after suffering a heart attack and died there, the NYPD said.
"No one could have predicted that Steven would touch so many people, in New York and around the world," police Commissioner James O'Neill said.
Like so many cops, Steven joined the NYPD to make a difference in people's lives.
The president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, Patrick Lynch, said McDonald "was a powerful force for all that is good and is an inspiration to all of us."
"Since that fateful day in 1986, Steven dedicated his life to fighting hate and encouraging forgiveness through his actions," Lynch said.
Jones, the teenage shooter, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted murder and spent much of his time in prison getting into trouble.