Two Migrants Wanted for Slashing Off-Duty NYPD Detective Arrested in Massachusetts
The suspects, who had prior arrests in New York, were apprehended by U.S. Marshals after allegedly attacking a detective during a robbery attempt.
Two individuals wanted for the slashing of an off-duty NYPD detective in the Bronx have been apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service hiding in a basement in Lynn, Massachusetts. D’Angelo Caraballo, 25, and Sneider Mejia, 24, both reportedly from the Dominican Republic, were taken into custody overnight and are expected to be returned to New York City to face attempted murder charges.
The incident occurred on a Friday afternoon when the suspects allegedly approached Detective Jose Mercedes on an e-bike and attempted to steal his gold chain. During a struggle, Mercedes was reportedly stabbed seven times with a knife. The attackers then fled the scene. Sources indicated that the detective survived because the blade narrowly missed his vital organs.
Mercedes, who is assigned to the Bronx's 44th precinct, was treated at Jacobi Medical Center and released on Monday. Authorities identified Caraballo and Mejia as suspects on Tuesday, initiating a manhunt. Surveillance footage captured the pair near the crime scene, with Mejia seen operating the e-bike and Caraballo, the alleged stabber, riding behind him.
According to reports, both suspects had entered the United States illegally during the current administration and had faced previous arrests in New York for various offenses. Officials noted that sanctuary policies in the city had prevented cooperation with ICE, leading to their release. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the suspects were released into the country by the Biden administration and that sanctuary politicians refused to cooperate with ICE despite their prior arrests.