Woman Sentenced for Hitting NYPD Officer
A woman who shouted anti-police comments and deliberately struck an NYPD officer with her car has been sentenced, but the police union believes the punishment is insufficient.
Sahara Dula, 25, received her sentence on Wednesday in Manhattan Supreme Court, along with three years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty to second-degree assault back in June.
Prosecutors revealed that Dula intentionally hit an officer with her Lexus while driving the wrong way on Park Avenue near East 71st Street on January 17, 2024. Officers were on the scene for a robbery investigation at a nearby upscale shop and had partially closed off the road for safety.
According to recorded video, an officer attempted to guide Dula back into the correct lane. Instead, she accelerated, colliding head-on with him, causing the officer to roll onto the hood and crash onto the pavement, resulting in a broken leg.
Following her arrest, police took Dula into custody. Court documents indicate she admitted to using profanities at the officers and intended to strike one. “I said I wanted to go straight, but the officer didn’t move, so I punched him. I did it on purpose,” Dula told investigators.
Authorities noted that she drove against traffic for about ten blocks while under the influence of marijuana. Items including rolling papers and marijuana were found in her car’s cup holder.
Dula, who graduated from the College of Criminal Justice, is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is receiving ongoing mental health treatment.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, expressed frustration over the outcome, stating that the justice system should convey a firmer message. “The sentence is not enough,” Hendry remarked. “This person tried to run over and seriously injure a New York City police officer. While I’m relieved she’s going to prison, there should be zero tolerance for assaulting police officers.”
Dula’s attorney, Patricia Wright, emphasized that her client accepted responsibility. “Ms. Dula took responsibility for her actions, pled guilty, and was sentenced according to the law,” Wright stated. She added that Dula has complied fully with all pretrial release conditions and has shown herself to be a “model citizen.”
Initially, Dula faced multiple charges, including attempted assault and drug-impaired driving. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had previously condemned the incident as a “dangerous attack” on law enforcement.
Bragg reiterated the severity of Dula’s actions, highlighting the risk posed not only to the officer but also to passersby. “Attacks of this nature will not be tolerated,” he stated, hoping for a full recovery for the injured officer.
The charge of second-degree assault allows for a maximum sentence of seven years, but Dula’s plea agreement led to a lesser term of two years, plus three years of supervised release.
