Suspect charged for allegedly punching female NYPD officer

EAST HARLEM (WABC) -- Police have arrested and charged a man who they believe punched an NYPD officer in the face early Sunday, knocking out some of her teeth.

26-year-old John Pica is charged with second degree Assault. He reportedly has numerous previous arrests.

The officer is home recovering after emergency surgery.

Investigators say she was attacked when she and her partner approached a group of people smoking marijuana at about 1:30 Sunday morning at Clinton Houses on Park Avenue between East 104th and 105th Streets.

The 26-year old was punched in the face by one of the drug suspects and fell down, slamming her head onto the ground. She lost several teeth in the attack.

Police say the suspects fled the scene.

The injured officer was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital.