A homeless immigrant allegedly hated women who work in law enforcement and punched a new female police officer Monday morning at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown, officials and sources said.
Law enforcement officials say the vicious attack began around 6:45 a.m. after Juan Jose Valencia, 30, gestured at a Port Authority police officer at the terminal entrance and pretended to fire a gun. It is said that the assault unfolded.
When officers approached Valencia, they allegedly argued with the rookie about having a knife, which led to an outburst.
Valencia then allegedly tripped while trying to handcuff the officer and jumped when he hit the ground.
Sources said the Colombian immigrant during the pandemic allegedly made her sock him multiple times while ranting about his “disdain for female police officers.”
Police called for a retreat before arresting the attacker, and even as more police arrived, the deranged attacker continued to beat her as officers tried to drag her away, sources said. said.
Valencia was eventually arrested and charged with assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.
An officer was hospitalized with multiple injuries in the early morning assault.
This is not the first time crime has occurred in Valencia.
Records show he was issued a warrant after he failed to appear in court on stalking and menacing charges in 2022.
Valencia was arraigned on Tuesday and released on bail.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
Frank Conti, president of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, condemned the attack on members.
“Monday's incident in which a new female Port Authority police officer was assaulted by a person she said disrespected female officers is another example of what police officers are facing,” Conti said in a statement. said.
“Port Authority officers constantly put themselves in dangerous situations to provide a safe environment for the millions of people who use Port Authority facilities every day. We are honored that our officers will recover. “We are grateful and believe in her actions to prevent harm to others,” he added.
