NYPD Detective Stabbed in Bronx Robbery Released from Hospital
An NYPD detective, who endured a brutal attack during a robbery in the Bronx, has been discharged from the hospital and is now on the mend. Detective Jose Mercedes, a ten-year veteran of the NYPD, expressed relief, saying, “I’m feeling much better, thank you,” in a conversation with a local newspaper.
The incident occurred when Mercedes, 33, was off duty on October 2, cleaning his car’s trunk. That’s when two suspects reportedly ambushed him in an attempt to steal his gold chain, as per the NYPD’s account.
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In the confrontation, Detective Mercedes fought back but suffered at least seven stab wounds to his neck and leg during the struggle. The assailants managed to snatch the chain from his neck and then sped away on a motorized bike, according to police sources.
Surveillance video showed the detective covered in blood as paramedics loaded him into an ambulance after the attack. He was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center and was able to leave a few days later.
Upon his release on Monday evening, Mercedes received a warm welcome from a crowd of fellow officers, who applauded and played bagpipe music. In a moment of triumph, he stood up from a wheelchair, smiled, and gave a thumbs-up.
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Authorities have identified the two suspects as D’Angelo Rafael Jean Caraballo, 25, who allegedly inflicted the injuries, and Sneider Mejia Bautista, 24, who is accused of driving the getaway vehicle. Both individuals are from the Dominican Republic and are reportedly in the U.S. illegally.
The suspects were located hiding in a basement in Lynn, Massachusetts, where they were apprehended by U.S. Marshals, according to police reports.
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In court, the men were ordered to be held without bail and are expected to be extradited to New York City to face charges of attempted murder, as indicated by police sources.
