New York, March 20, 2012-- In response to the shooting of an off-duty Correction Officer in the parking lot of a diner in Queens last night, Norman Seabrook, President of the New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, is calling on the public to assist the COBA with obtaining any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the officer’s assailant.  

A $5,000 reward will be distributed through the COBA’s Cop-Shot program which was created by President Seabrook to assist with the timely apprehension and prosecution of individuals who have shot New York City Correction Officers as well as Police Officers. Anyone wishing to participate can call the COBA at 212-274-8000.

“Last night’s horrific shooting of Correction Officer Raghunanan is just the latest example of the gun violence epidemic that continues to plague our streets,” said COBA President Norman Seabrook. “While politicians debate the merits of the NYPD’s stop and frisk program, our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers are getting shot in front of our very eyes. I will not sit by and watch another member of New York’s Boldest become yet another statistic.”

The COBA led an extensive advertising campaign over a year ago to promote the NYPD’s Operation Gun Stop program, which offers $1,000 rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone caught with an illegal handgun.

In the wake of this latest incident, the COBA will commence a full force effort to bring this assailant to justice by putting up posters in communities throughout the city.