NYPD Detective Stabbed 7 Times Released From Hospital, Suspects Arrested
An off-duty NYPD detective, recovering from seven stab wounds, was released from the hospital as authorities announced the arrest of two undocumented immigrants with prior criminal records in connection with the attack.
NYPD Detective Jose Mercedes has been released from the hospital and is recovering after being stabbed seven times during a robbery in the Bronx. Mercedes, a 10-year veteran of the force, was cleaning out his car trunk on Oct. 2 when two suspects allegedly attacked him, attempting to steal his gold chain.
During the altercation, the detective fought back but sustained stab wounds to his neck and leg. The suspects reportedly ripped the chain from his neck and fled on a motorized bike. Video footage showed Mercedes covered in blood as he was taken to Jacobi Medical Center.
He was greeted by dozens of fellow NYPD officers upon his release, with bagpipes playing and applause from colleagues. Mercedes, 33, later stood and gave a thumbs-up to the assembled officers.
Authorities identified the alleged attackers as D’Angelo Caraballo, 25, and Sneider Mejia, 24. Both are identified as illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic. According to the NYPD, Caraballo is accused of wielding the knife, while Mejia allegedly drove the getaway bike. Federal authorities apprehended the pair in the basement of a home in Lynn, Massachusetts. They were taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service and ordered held without bail. They are expected to be returned to New York City to face attempted murder charges.