Suspect facing charges after NYPD sergeant punched in face while on her way to work

HARLEM (WABC) -- Police say a person in custody will be charged after an NYPD sergeant was punched while she was on her way to work Wednesday morning.

The 35 year old suspect was spotted at Seventh Avenue and West 139 Street in Harlem and taken into custody. Authorities say he is at Harlem Hospital to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. He will then be taken to the 28th precinct for formal charges.

Police say the man is homeless and being treated as emotionally disturbed person He has 38 prior arrests, including for drugs, assault, menacing with a weapon, criminal trespass, marijuana possession

The 43-year old was heading to work at the NYPD Housing Bureau's PSA 5, located at 221 East 123rd Street in Harlem when the attack happened.

Investigators say she had just left a Dunkin' Donuts when she heard incoherent mumbling behind her. She turned around and the suspect came up on her, punching her once in the face. The punch dropped her to the ground.

The suspect hit her several more times while she was on the ground before he suddenly stopped and ran away. He did not say anything coherent enough for her to remember.

The sergeant was not in uniform or identifiable as a police officer in any way at the time of the attack, officials said.

She has a laceration over her left eye and contusion to the head. The off duty sergeant who was attacked has already been released from the hospital and identified the suspect at the location of his arrest. She is 19-year a veteran of the NYPD.