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Read the press release here.

Cop Shot in Queens Released From Hospital as Police Hunt Suspect

By Jess Wisloski | August 10, 2012 12:38pm | Updated on August 10, 2012 4:18pm

QUEENS — An NYPD sergeant who was shot in both legs while chasing a suspect in Queens Wednesday was released from the hospital Friday afternoon, hospital officials said.

Sgt. Craig Bier, an officer in the NYPD's Queens gangs squad, was released from Jamaica Hospital at 1 p.m. Friday, a day after he was hurt during a chase that took him into an alley in Jamaica. Police are still looking for the gunman.

A phalanx of police officers and hospital staff applauded Bier as he was wheeled out of the hospital Friday.

Bier looked around, nodding to his supporters as he was wheeled out.

Police said Bier was in stable condition after surgery on Thursday that removed a bullet from one of his legs.

Police are searching for John Thomas, 24, in connection with the shooting of Sgt. Craig Bier Aug. 8, 2012.
Police are searching for John Thomas, 24, in connection with the shooting of Sgt. Craig Bier Aug. 8, 2012.
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NYPD

His mother told NBC New York that Bier's family was relieved after the procedure's success.

"Last night, I couldn't hug him enough," Betty Bier told the news outlet at the hospital. "We're just all very worried."

Bier, 44, the son of a retired NYPD detective,  was chasing a suspect with his partner in Jamaica at 106-20 Union Hall St. when the suspect turned and shot him with a 9 mm Ruger.

Police said the alleged suspect, John Thomas, 24 who lives four blocks from where the shooting happened, has still not been apprehended. Thomas is described as 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, and police have offered a $22,000 reward for information that leads to his whereabouts.

On his weekly radio show on WOR 710 AM, Bloomberg said Bier was in good spirits.

"The good news is, this seargent is a big hulking guy and he has a great spirit about him," said Bloomberg.

"I said, 'Are you hurt?' He said 'Only when I laugh.'"

With reporting by Alex Hotz.