Cop praised after using car to knock over woman firing gun in public

A police officer has been praised after using his car to knock down a woman who was pointing and fired a gun in public.

Traffic ground to a halt at a North Bellmore intersection in New York after a woman with a gun made an appearance.

She was filmed pointing a gun at members of the public and firing it into the air.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said: "It's a loaded gun that she's waving around in the traffic, pointing at people that have got their children and their families in their cars."

Warning: distressing content

It was when the woman pointed the gun at her own head that the car hit her.

Once knocked down, the woman was restrained by police and the handgun was taken from her.

She was then taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for her injuries.

The officer who drove the car that hit her was also taken to hospital to be treated for trauma.

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Commissioner Ryder praised the unidentified officer: "I never am going to Morning morning quarterback my cops. They did an outstanding job. They faced down deadly physical force against the civilians and themselves and they used their vehicle to stop their threat."

The officer has also received praise online from members of the public.

One wrote: "Brave extreme measure that most likely saved her life. Well done."

Another said: "Pretty sure that was done because she was holding the firearm to her head. Immediate action necessary."

A fellow supporter commented: "Amazing actually. Non lethal takedown. And no one got hurt critically. Looks like her foot may be broken but yeah. They saved lives, to include hers."

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These sentiments were echoed by one supporter who wrote: "Great move cops! They need to step up to the plate more like this and not have to worry about getting sued! If someone is screwing up, that's the chance you take. Great job!"

Others shared their hopes that the woman would get the help she needed, and expressed gratitude that the police's actions prevented her from shooting herself.

Due to the incident, the woman is facing multiple charges including reckless endangerment, three counts of mid-degree menacing and weapon possession.

The incident with the gun took place near a childrens' readiness center, which had been used on that day.

However, school officials said that the children had already been dismissed at the time.