The Suffolk police officer shot by a robbery suspect is expected to remain hospitalized — possibly up to a week — as he recovers from bullet wounds that left significant damage, Suffolk Police Benevolent Association President Noel DiGerolamo said.

Police Officer Michael Lafauci, was shot in the thigh in Coram during a confrontation Thursday with 20-year-old admitted Bloods gang member Janell Funderburke, who was under police surveillance for an armed robbery a few days before, court documents show.

Lafauci spotted Funderburke walking on Homestead Drive near his home and tried to pull a vehicle up next to him, but Funderburke ran away with Lafauci giving chase and identifying himself, according to Funderburke’s bail application.

Funderburke refused to show his hands and continued to run from Lafauci, and “within seconds turned back toward the officer, extended a black firearm and fired twice in an attempt to kill [Police Officer Lafauci], striking the police officer once in the upper portion of his right thigh,” the application states.

[All our best wishes for a fast and complete recovery to that officer and our best to his family. ~ Beege]