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Officers hailed as heroes for apprehending NYC bombing suspect

The four officers lept on the suspect and removed the device before any more damage could be done

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By Police1 Staff

NEW YORK — Four NY officers were praised for their efforts in stopping the man accused of setting off a pipe bomb in the NYC subway.

ABC News reports that Officer Anthony Manfredini was stationed outside the Port Authority Bus Terminal when he saw “the panic and commotion” and radioed for help. He, along with Officers Sean Gallagher, Jack Collins and Drew Preston, proceed to leap on the suspect.

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The officer noticed wire running from the suspect’s jacket to his pants and saw him reaching for a cellphone, CNN reports. The cops knew the cell could potentially be used as a detonator and removed the device before any more damage could be done.

Five people suffered from minor injuries, but it could have been much worse. The suspect, 27-year-old Akayed Ullah, was badly injured in the arm and torso.

Paul Nunziato, Port Authority Police Benevolent Association President, praised the officers’ quick actions and called them “heroes.”

“It’s a split-second decision based on training. Training and having the moxie to get in there, to put your life on the line,” Nunziato said. “I’m extremely proud. They couldn’t have done it any better.”

Manfredini is a former Marine and bomb technician, Preston is a soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Collins is also a lawyer, and Gallagher is a former Marine.

The bomb was built from a 12-inch long pipe, black powder and rigged with a 9-volt battery and a wire that came from a Christmas light. Law enforcement acknowledged that the situation “could have been much worse.”

Ullah will make his first court appearance Wednesday and is charged with several terrorism offenses.

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