NYPD Officer Hieu Tran’s struggles were known, yet he remained armed before a shooting.
Voorhees Township: NYPD Officer Hieu Tran had a tough time long before he shot and paralyzed Kishan Patel last May. Sources say his issues with depression and drinking started way back.
Now, Tran, 27, is in a Camden County jail, while Patel, 31, is fighting to recover in a rehab center in Houston. It’s a tough road for both of them.
In a six-hour interview with a psychiatrist, Tran revealed that his bosses at the NYPD knew about his struggles. He worked at the 28th Precinct in Harlem and later in a high-pressure social media role. But despite knowing, they didn’t take his gun away or push him to get help.
Last April, during protests over the Gaza conflict, Tran was working long hours and drinking heavily. He felt he couldn’t let his boss down, which added to his stress.
His drinking problem started even before he joined the force in 2021, especially after his mother passed away from cancer. It only got worse as he faced the pressures of police work.
Despite advice from a captain to avoid alcohol, Tran didn’t seek the help he needed. A judge pointed out that the NYPD should have done more to help him, especially since they knew he had issues.
His case raises serious questions about the department’s culture and how they handle officers with problems. It’s not just about Tran; it reflects a bigger issue within the NYPD.
Meanwhile, Kishan Patel’s family is by his side every day in Houston, trying to support him through his recovery. They’re heartbroken and can’t understand why this happened.
Kishan was just minutes from home when Tran shot him. The bullet left him paralyzed, and now he needs constant care. His family’s life has changed forever, and they’re struggling with the weight of it all.
Tran became a cop to help others, but his own struggles led him down a dark path. He was overwhelmed by the job and turned to alcohol to cope. His downward spiral was evident to those around him.
On the day of the shooting, he had been drinking heavily at a wedding. He claims he has no memory of the incident, but prosecutors say he acted as if nothing happened afterward.
As the case moves forward, the Patels are also pursuing a lawsuit against the city. It’s a complicated situation, and everyone involved is facing a long road ahead.
