A woman who shouted “forget these cops” after deliberately hitting a police officer with her car, resulting in a broken leg, was sentenced to prison on Wednesday, a decision that a police union deemed inadequate.
Sahara Dula, 25, has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to intentionally striking an NYPD officer while driving against traffic on the Upper East Side in January 2024.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, expressed that the punishment is insufficient. He stated, “This individual attempted to run over a police officer in New York City and could have caused a fatality.”
Although they are relieved she is incarcerated, he emphasized the need for the justice system to send a clear message against assaults on officers.
Dula, who openly acknowledged her intent to drive into the police, was present in Manhattan Supreme Court before Judge Melissa T. Lewis for her sentencing following a guilty plea for second-degree assault on June 16.
According to prosecutors, Dula drove the wrong way on Park Avenue near East 71st Street around 4:30 p.m. on January 17, 2024, and encountered a group of officers on the scene.
The officers were responding to an unrelated robbery nearby, which led to part of the road being closed off.
In footage from the incident, an officer can be seen approaching Dula’s car to guide her correctly, with someone shouting “Watch out!” just moments before the collision.
The dramatic video captures Dula driving through, hitting the officer head-on and causing him to fall onto her vehicle, ultimately landing hard on the pavement.
As a result, the officer sustained a broken leg, police confirmed.
Records reveal that Dula was arrested at the scene and later admitted to being verbally aggressive towards the officer, asserting that she intentionally struck him.
“Forget these cops. He wouldn’t move,” Dula reportedly said, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors noted that Dula appeared to be under the influence of marijuana while driving her Lexus northbound on Park Avenue for several blocks.
Additionally, police discovered rolling papers and marijuana in her vehicle’s cup holder.
Dula’s attorney, Patricia Wright, mentioned that her client, a graduate of Criminal Justice, is dealing with bipolar disorder and currently receiving mental health treatment.
Initially, Dula faced several charges, including attempted assault on a police officer, assault, and reckless driving.
Although she could have received a maximum of seven years for the assault, her plea agreement includes a three-year probation following her prison term.
