MOUNT VERNON (WABC) — An investigation is underway into a bizarre shooting in Mount Vernon.
Police say shots were fired inside a prison transport van, sending one man to the hospital with a gunshot wound.
Investigators are trying to figure out where the gun came from and how it even ended up in the van.
Two Mount Vernon police officers are on modified duty as the investigation moves forward by the Mount Vernon Police Department and the Westchester County District Attorney’s office.
“This is a very serious incident and we take this very seriously,” Chief Marcel Olifiers said.
On Thursday, five prisoners were loaded into a police van for transport to the Westchester County Jail.
The vehicle traveled less than half a mile when a shot was fired.
“The officers reported hearing a single gunshot in the rear of the van followed by a prisoner stating that he had been shot,” Chief Olifiers said.
The van returned to police headquarters, where a 22-caliber gun was recovered.
Police say 32-year-old Louis Soto of the Bronx had hidden the weapon, which somehow went undetected after his arrest.
Mount Vernon modified its search policy after a scathing report last year by the Justice Department, which concluded officers conducted an excessive number of strip searches.
Police say magnatomitors will now be used to screen prisoners.
Community activists say the shooting is the result of a deeper problem within the department.
“So many good officers, experienced officers have left this department for better pay or retired, you have rookies training rookies right now in the city. For them to say that the DOJ excuse, the strip searching, we’re not buying that,” Jesse Van with Save Mount Vernon said.
No one else was injured in the incident.
The prisoner remains hospitalized with a gunshot to his lower leg.
The prisoner who is accused of firing the gun is set to be arraigned on additional charges.
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.