New York, May 3 (IANS): A New York City police officer was shot in the head as he tried to inquire about a suspect's actions during his patrol on the street.

The officer is now in stable condition in a hospital and the investigation of the event is under way, according to the officials.

The shooting on Saturday evening came as the country is going through a new round of tensions between African Americans and police forces.

Around 6:15 p.m., one of the New York Police Department (NYPD) officers was shot while operating an unmarked police car and patrolling with his partner in the borough of Queens, Xinhua news agency cited New York City Police Commissioner Williams Bratton as saying at a press conference.

Officer Brian Moore was seated in the driver's seat and Officer Erik Jansen was in the passenger's seat when they observed a male, black, in his 30s, walking and adjusting an object in his waistband.

Moore positioned the vehicle behind the suspect and inquired about the suspect's actions. The male immediately removed a firearm from his waistband and turned in the direction of the officers and deliberately fired several times into the vehicle, striking Moore in the head.

Both officers were still seated in the vehicle and did not have an opportunity to get out or return fire, Bratton said.

Moore was then rushed to Jamaica Hospital, while officers on the scene searched for the suspect. The suspect, identified as Demetrius Blackwell, was located and taken into custody later.

Demetrius Blackwell is 35 years old and has an extensive arrest history, which includes criminal possession of a weapon and robbery, the commissioner said.

"It is a painful day for all of us -- it is a painful day for all New Yorkers, it's a painful day for all members of the NYPD," said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

He said Moore comes from a police family as his father and uncle had both retired as sergeants with the department.