Family files lawsuit after New Jersey road rage shooting involving off-duty NYPD officer

NEW YORK (WABC) – The family of a man shot by an off-duty NYPD officer in connection with traffic violence announced Wednesday that they have filed a lawsuit.

Kishan Patel's family is suing the official, New York City and Mayor Eric Adams, among others.

On May 17, Patel was driving home in Voorhees, New Jersey, when officer Hieu Tran, 27, shot Patel with his service weapon, according to prosecutors.

Patel's family says the 30-year-old suffered severe brain injuries and is now a paraplegic.

“Every morning when we get up, we don't know what to expect with Kishan, you know, it's very, very difficult for us every day,” said his mother Manjina Patel.

The victim's family is still struggling with their devastating new reality.

According to authorities, Patel was stopped at a traffic light when Tran drove alongside him and fired shots. Tran then drove to get gas and continued home to Yonkers before being arrested about two weeks later.

“Kishan was just two minutes from home, he just pulled up next to him and shot him indiscriminately. Why? I want to know why he did this,” Manjina Patel said.

The lawsuit says Tran, who worked in the public information department, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism. It is alleged that at least one member of the NYPD advised the 27-year-old to seek treatment, but the NYPD took no steps to take away his gun or force him to get help.

Tran is being held on multiple charges, including attempted murder and aggravated assault.

He remains suspended without pay.

An NYPD spokesman said it does not comment on pending litigation.