Hero cop paralyzed in 1986 shooting put on life support

The hero cop who was paralyzed from the neck down in a 1986 Central Park shooting suffered a massive heart attack and is now hospitalized on life support, sources told the Post. He was in critical but stable condition.

Steven McDonald was in intensive care late Friday at North Shore Hospital in Manhasset, L.I. Family members, other cops and former NYPD Police Chief Ray Kelly held vigil at the hospital.

He was on patrol in Central Park on July 12, 1986, investigating a robbery when he was shot three times, including in the throat and head, by suspect 15-year-old Shavod Jones.

A third generation police officer, he proudly watched last year as his 29-year-old son, Conor McDonald, earned his gold detective shield and was promoted to sergeant.

“He’s always made us proud,” the elder McDonald said during the sergeant’s promotion ceremony. “I have to salute him now.”

The younger McDonald was just thankful his dad could be there for his big day.

“I know it’s borrowed time with my dad, it’s a miracle he’s alive,” said Conor. “So to do it in front of him, it’s very emotional. It’s a gift from god.”