The chain of events began Wednesday afternoon, when the body of a 66-year-old man was found in the woods in North Bay Shore, on Long Island. An investigation, including security camera footage, led investigators to want to question a former co-worker of the deceased, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said at a news conference.

He said the two apparently were mechanics and had had conflicts in the past.

Police obtained a search warrant and went to the 48-year-old man's home, where he fired on officers through an open door, the commissioner said. He said one officer, a 33-year-old former Navy medic with two years on the force, was shot in the face.

The impact fractured one of his cheekbones and the bullet lodged near an ear, coming a half-inch (1 cm) from one of his eyes, said surgeon Dr. James Vosswinkel of Stony Brook University Medical Center. He said the officer was spared nerve damage and was on course for a full recovery.

The officer underwent surgery to remove the bullet and was recuperating later Thursday morning.

“He’s in a lot of pain,” the police commissioner said, but “he’s happy to be alive.”

He said no officers fired. Instead, they surrounded the home and summoned hostage negotiators. The suspect surrendered around 6 a.m. Thursday, according to the commissioner.

Police haven't yet released the officer's or suspect's name. Charges against the suspect are expected but haven't been announced.

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