Police Officer, Shoplifter Injured During Foot Pursuit in Pelham Manor

The good news for Ardo Guzman is that the medical staff at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx were able to administer immediate medical care to his ankle Wednesday.

Unfortunately for the 43-year-old Guzman, the next stop on his itinerary after his hospital stay is Pelham town court.

Guzman injured he took a nearly 10 foot jump off the Eastchester Creek Bridge while trying to shake off Pelham Manor police Wednesday night.

At about 8:10 p.m., police received a call that Guzman allegedly stole two pairs of Timberland boots, valued at $80 each, from the Marshalls Shoe Shop, located at the Post Road Plaza in Pelham Manor.

Officer Donald Orifici found Guzman holding the stolen merchandise on the Eastchester Creek Bridge after a search of the area and ordered him to surrender. Guzman began to slowly move away and ran west when Orifici approached.

Guzman allegedly threw the boots over the north side of the bridge, ran across the median and nearly got hit by two vehicles. Orifici alerted officers that he was pursuit and chased Guzman.

Guzman then grabbed the railing on the west side of the bridge and jumped over. He landed awkwardly and hit his head on the curb abutting the side of the bridge.

Guzman then stumbled across the street to two tractor trailers parked near the intersection of Peartree Avenue and Boston Post Road.

Orifici caught up to the suspect and ordered him to surrender. Guzman tried to crawl away, but Orfici managed to subdue Guzman until backup arrived.

Orfici also injured his hand, wrist and elbow in the process after he tripped on Guzman while trying to subdue him.

Pelham Manor and New York City police managed to recovered the stolen property in the bed of a state Department of Transportation truck.

Guzman tried to give a false name, but he was later identified. Employees at Marshalls also identified Guzman as the man who committed the crime.

Guzman was transported to Jacobi Medical Center, where it was discovered that he his ankle had a compound fracture. Guzman had emergency surgery and his recovery is expected to take several days.

As soon as Guzman is released, he is expected to be arraigned in Pelham town court on $500 bail. Police believe that Guzman may also have outstanding warrants out of New York City.

Orifici sought treatment at Sound Shore Medical Center after he iced his injuries.