An on-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer discharged his service weapon multiple times during a confrontation with another driver following a minor traffic accident near John F. Kennedy International Airport early Tuesday morning, authorities said.
The incident occurred shortly before 5 a.m. on the southbound Van Wyck Expressway near the entrance to JFK’s central terminal area, according to Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials.
Port Authority police responding to reports of a two-vehicle accident found the CBP officer, who told them another driver had assaulted him following the minor collision, NBC New York reported. The officer stated he fired his duty weapon several times during the altercation.
NO INJURIES OR ARRESTS
No other individuals were present at the scene when Port Authority officers arrived, and no one has been located since the incident, authorities said. No injuries have been reported.
The other driver involved in the confrontation left the scene before Port Authority police arrived. Officials have not released information about whether any vehicle was struck by gunfire or details about the missing driver.
The Port Authority is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident, which caused significant traffic delays on the Van Wyck Expressway throughout Tuesday morning as drivers heading to JFK Airport were affected by lane closures.
INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY
Authorities have not disclosed what prompted the CBP officer to discharge his weapon or whether the officer will face disciplinary action pending the outcome of the investigation.
The incident marks an unusual occurrence at one of the nation’s busiest airports, where thousands of travelers pass through terminals daily. The Van Wyck Expressway serves as a primary access route to JFK Airport from Manhattan and other parts of New York City.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident or the status of the officer involved.
