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Real Life Hero Cop Meets TV Hero Cop In Yonkers

Fantasy met reality in Westchester last week as a real-life hero cop met a prominent actress who stars as one on television.

Yonkers Police Officer Kayla Maher with Law & Order SVU star Mariska Hargitay.

Yonkers Police Officer Kayla Maher with Law & Order SVU star Mariska Hargitay.

Photo Credit: Yonkers Police Department

Yonkers Police Officer Kayla Maher, who was shot in the jaw as she approached two suspected criminal in a car last year, met Mariska Hargitay this week, who is filming scenes for the TV show "Law & Order SVU" in the city.

Hargitay is best known for her starring role as Olivia Benson on "Law & Order." She has also become an outspoken advocate against gun violence, equality and women’s rights.

Shortly after 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, officers, including Maher was dispatched to the area of Marshall Road, near Ridge Drive, following reports of a suspicious vehicle that was occupied by two suspects.

Upon her arrival, one of the suspects produced a gun, and started shooting at Maher, who returned fire. The officer, who was from the 3rd Precinct, was struck in the face by gunfire. Maher was released from the hospital just hours after being struck by the bullet.

Officials hailed Maher as a "hero," and praised the officer who helped get her out of harm's way amidst a shootout.

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