Brandon Scanlon, of Middle Island, injured during police-involved shooting after 25-minute vehicle chase, police say

Suffolk County police shot a Middle Island man Thursday night after exchanging gunfire with him during a 25-minute car pursuit that ended when the suspect crashed into a tree in Bay Shore, police officials said.

Acting Suffolk County Police Commissioner Robert Waring said detectives were conducting an investigation just before 7 p.m. in Bohemia when Brandon Scanlon, 33, sped away in a minivan, striking an officer and knocking him to the ground.

Both Scanlon and the officer, who was not identified by police, are expected to recover from their injuries.

Waring said the police went to the house in Bohemia to try to make an arrest. The police did not elaborate about the nature of the probe other to say it was a confidential investigation.

Police followed the minivan and had multiple exchanges of gunfire with Scanlon during a 25-minute pursuit as he fled from Bohemia, through Brentwood and Bay Shore, Waring said.

Scanlon was shot and struck a tree on the northern Sunrise Highway service road, just before the Robert Moses Parkway at about 7:20 p.m., Waring said. He was arrested and taken to the hospital.

Police found an untraceable “ghost gun” in the car and expect to charge Scanlon with drug and weapons charges, Waring said. He had pending felony narcotics charges.

Five Suffolk police officers were also taken to the hospital for evaluation, Waring said.

“This is another example of the dangers police face every day. Scanlon posed a threat to every person on the roadway and had a blatant disregard for the safety of the public,” Waring said. “This suspect struck an officer with his car and fired at police. It is imperative for our officers to stop this dangerous individual.”

Waring said the Suffolk County district attorney and the Internal Affairs Bureau were investigating the shooting, following department protocol.

Waring said it was within department policy for officers to exchange gunfire while engaging in the pursuit.

Scanlon was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and assault, and police said he could face additional charges. He is expected to be arraigned at a later date.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.