Brutal Attack on NYPD Rookie in the Bronx
Two men have been charged with viciously assaulting and robbing a new NYPD officer in the Bronx, leaving him with noticeable injuries, including a shoe print on his face. This revelation came to light during a court hearing on Thursday after one of the suspects, Wayne Lucas, 23, was arrested in connection to the incident, which allegedly escalated into an attempted murder.
Officer Chowdhury Nafees, 27, is currently recovering in a hospital. Photographs depict the severity of his injuries, as one showed a distinct shoe print etched on his face, while another revealed his swollen, closed eyes. The court learned that Lucas was held without bail following the May 24 attack at Westchester Square.
During the prosecutor’s statement, Paul Irace described the frightening turn of events. He explained, “When they realized he was an officer, they didn’t stop the robbery. They continued.” He further detailed that as the robbery progressed, the co-defendant brutally stomped on Nafees’s head, resulting in the lasting injuries.
Explaining the severe consequences of the altercation, Irace mentioned Nafees developed vision problems and suffered multiple facial fractures. He remarked, “Almost two weeks have passed since the incident, and the officer is still dealing with vision issues.” Additionally, it was noted that Lucas had threatened Nafees with a knife while his accomplice, Taveon Hargrove, 23, stole the officer’s service weapon.
Lucas, who was extradited from Virginia, entered a not-guilty plea to 34 charges, including assault and robbery. The judge, George Vilgas, accepted the prosecutor’s arguments and ordered Lucas to be held without bail.
Hargrove was also apprehended in Virginia and is currently contesting extradition. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark condemned the attack, saying it was particularly cruel. She noted, “These two thought they were targeting civilians, but upon realizing he was an officer, they escalated the violence.” Clark described Nafees as a promising new officer who didn’t deserve such treatment.
She expressed hope for Nafees’s quick recovery, emphasizing the essential role of police officers in community safety. “He wants to return to duty, protecting the very people who harmed him that day,” she added, assuring that justice will be pursued in this case.
Meanwhile, Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Mercy Association, mentioned that Nafees aspires to fully return to his duties. As for Lucas, he faced the media without comment during his transfer from the precinct, while wearing a disguise to avoid recognition.
Lucas, who could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted, is scheduled for a court appearance on September 12. Although he had no prior arrests, Hargrove reportedly has a lengthy criminal history. Hargrove, who attempted to evade capture by hiding at a friend’s house in Virginia, was bitten by a police dog during his arrest.
His father, Jeffrey Hargrove, 55, was also taken into custody on allegations of using stolen credit cards belonging to police officers in various Bronx stores.
