Opening arguments are set to begin in a man's attempted murder trial of new NYPD officer Brett Boller

JAMAICA, Queens (WABC) — Opening arguments begin Thursday in the trial of a man charged with the attempted murder of a new NYPD officer.

Authorities say Devin Spraggins shot and injured officer Brett Boller while on duty in Queens last year.

Officer Boller had allegedly been trying to break up an argument between Spraggins and another passenger on an MTA bus at the time of the shooting.

Boller was in the hospital for nine days before he was brought out to the cheers of his fellow officers.

Doctors say the bullet damaged a major artery and without his partner and other quick-thinking officers, the young officer could have died.

“He could have lost the whole leg and he could have lost his life, that's a really big deal,” said Dr. William Nugent back in April 2023. “He still has a road to recovery ahead of him, but he still has his leg and he still has his life.

He underwent three surgeries and underwent extensive rehab near his home in Hauppauge.

Police said Spraggins, then 22, fled the scene but was arrested the next day in the Bronx.

The PBA says the courtroom will be full of officers.

He is charged with attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon and obstructing government administration.

If convicted, Spraggins faces 40 years to life in prison for each attempted murder count.

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