A recently obtained video captures a chaotic scene at a Starbucks in Midtown, where a man reportedly hurled food at a female detective, who was off duty. This incident occurred while the 39-year-old detective was on her way to work, and it was said that the man was purchasing food from a case inside the establishment on Sixth Avenue and West 58th Street.
After she identified herself as an NYPD officer, the individual left the store but returned, only to begin throwing food both at her and around the coffee shop.
In newly released footage, the altercation escalates as he runs toward her in an aggressive manner, taking a fighting stance on the sidewalk. The man raises his fist and charges, prompting the detective to punch him in self-defense, resulting in bruising near her eyes. She received treatment at the scene.
Authorities identified the suspect as 27-year-old Mohamed Riad, who has since been arrested and faces charges of assault, vandalism, and petty theft.
The police union commended her efforts, with Scott Munro, president of the Criminal Fund Association, stating that it’s not surprising to see officers risking their safety for the welfare of New Yorkers. He emphasized the dedication of police personnel and vowed to ensure the perpetrator pays for his actions.
Riad pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and was held on a $1,000 cash bail, although it remains unclear if he managed to post it.
Remarkably, attacks on NYPD officers have surged by 63% over the past six years, according to a report from May. NYPD statistics reveal that this year alone has seen 970 assaults on uniformed officers, a notable increase from 595 incidents reported pre-2019.
