Would-be cop-killer Luis “Baby” Ortiz was arraigned today on an indictment for the attempted murder of Det. Kevin Brennan, who glowered at his alleged assailant throughout the proceeding.
Brennan, who miraculously survived after Ortiz allegedly shot him in the back of the head during a struggle in Bushwick last month, was accompanied by his wife, who sat next to him in the front row, blinking back tears as she glanced at the man who would have widowed her.
Prosecutors said three people had identified Ortiz as the shooter and that Brennan remembered the entire incident.
“He remembers every detail,” said Assistant District Attorney Lewis Lieberman.
Ortiz, 21, who has a long juvenile history, appeared in an orange Department of Correction jumpsuit and remained subdued throughout, unlike the cocky swagger he displayed when he was arrested at his uncle’s apartment on Feb.1.
His lawyer, Eric Poulos, complained to Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Albert Tomei, that Ortiz’ family had sent clothes to Rikers Island for Ortiz to wear in court, but Correction officials refused to allow him to change.
Tomei said he would make a notation in Ortiz’ file that he should wear civilian clothes for court.
Outside the courtroom, which was packed with dozens of cops, PBA president Pat Lynch derided “the arrogance of this mope” [Ortiz] for worrying about what he wears to court.
“If justice is served and we believe it will be . . . he’ll be wearing that jumpsuit for an awful long time,” Lynch said.