In a shocking incident of road rage, an off-duty NYPD cop was shot in the leg during a brawl with two brothers in Queens on Wednesday. The incident, which was caught on camera by witnesses, unfolded at Queens Boulevard and 70th Street in Elmhurst. The two brothers, identified as Shawn Rivera, 27, and Edwin Rivera, 32, have been charged with several counts of assault in connection with the altercation. Shawn Rivera also faces a strangulation charge.

According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Jeffrey Maddrey, the clash started when Officer Christopher Campos, who was driving his personal vehicle, encountered Edwin Rivera's white minivan blocking the roadway. The two exchanged words, and Shawn Rivera allegedly ran up behind Officer Campos' car and smashed the window. Officer Campos exited his vehicle, identified himself as a police officer, and drew his firearm, ordering the brothers to get on the ground. However, instead of complying, the brothers taunted the officer, daring him to shoot.

Video footage captured the intense moments as Officer Campos held the brothers at gunpoint, calling for backup. In the midst of the confrontation, a struggle ensued, with one of the brothers putting Officer Campos in a chokehold while the other joined in assaulting him. They attempted to unholster the officer's weapon, leading to a round being discharged. The footage does not capture the actual shooting, but it shows one of the brothers fleeing the scene after being shot in the hand.

As the struggle continued, another shot went off, striking Officer Campos in the left thigh. The video then shows the arrival of uniformed officers as one of the brothers can be heard crying out that his sibling had been shot. Both brothers were eventually apprehended, with Edwin Rivera being arrested at a local hospital, where he sought treatment for his hand injury.

Officer Campos, who was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center, is expected to survive his injuries. He is said to be in good spirits, according to Chief Maddrey. The two brothers now face charges of assault, strangulation, attempted criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, obstruction of governmental administration, and resisting arrest. It was revealed that both brothers have prior arrests, with Edwin having four and Shawn having two.

The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of both police officers and civilians on the streets of New York. Patrick Hendry, president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, expressed gratitude for Officer Campos' recovery but questioned the justice system's ability to protect the public if repeat offenders like the Riveras are released back onto the streets.

The investigation is ongoing, and the brothers' arraignments are scheduled to take place in Queens Criminal Court. The circumstances surrounding the discharge of the officer's weapon are yet to be determined, with authorities investigating whether it was accidental or intentional.