Video released after NYPD officers attacked in Times Square while trying to make an arrest
TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Two police officers were assaulted attempting to break up a disorderly crowd outside of a Midtown migrant shelter, video released by the NYPD shows.
Five suspects were arrested in the Saturday night assault. Two others were taken into custody on Wednesday, including the man in yellow at the center of the melee.
Several others are still being sought.
A police officer and lieutenant initially told a group of men, all believed to be migrants, to move from the front of the Candler Building at 220 West 42nd Street, which has been operating as a shelter since last March.
A scuffle broke out and several men assaulted the police officers, kicking them in the head and body. One officer suffered cuts to the face while the other was treated for bruising to the body.
Four suspects were initially arrested. All were charged with assault and released without bail during their arraignments.
A fifth man, described as homeless, was picked up by police Monday night and charged with attempted assault of a police officer. He was arraigned and released later Wednesday.
Those arrested include:
- Yorman Reveron, 24, of Brooklyn. He's charged with assault on a police officer, gang assault, obstructing governmental administration, and disorderly conduct.
- Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, 19, of Columbus, Mississippi. He's charged with assault on a police officer, gang assault, obstructing governmental administration, and disorderly conduct.
- Wilson Juarez, 21, of Queens. He's charged with assault on a police officer, gang assault, obstructing governmental administration, and disorderly conduct.
- Kelvin Servita Arocha, 19, of Brooklyn. He's charged with assault on a police officer, gang assault, obstructing governmental administration, and disorderly conduct.
- Jhoan Boada, 22, who is homeless. He's charged with an attempted assault on a police officer and gang assault.
- Yohenry Brito, 24, of Manhattan. He's charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of assault on a police officer.
- Jandry Barros, of Queens. He's charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of assault on a police officer.
Reveron has two prior arrests. In November, he allegedly assaulted a Nordstrom Rack employee attempting to stop him from shoplifting. And last month, he is accused of punching a Macy's employee trying to stop him and two others during a robbery at the Herald Square location.
Wednesday night, NYPD Assistant Commissioner Kaz Daughtry vowed to find the remaining suspects.
"We will comb this globe to look for you and bring you to justice," he said.
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell blasted the attack of two police officers as "reprehensible" and called their attackers "cowards."
The Police Benevolent Association said it was outraged the suspects were released without bail.
"Attacks on police officers are becoming an epidemic, and the reason is a revolving door we're seeing in cases like this one. It is impossible for police officers to deal effectively with crime and disorder if the justice system can't or won't protect us while we do that work," PBA President Patrick Hendry said.
Hendry said the melee dealt a blow to the rank and file and argued if the suspects aren't afraid to assault an officer, they won't be afraid to assault someone else.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is defending his prosecution and called for witnesses to come forward.
"Violence against police officers is never acceptable. It is paramount that we conclusively identified each defendant and specify each participant's role in the incident. Every defendant charged so far is facing felony charges that carry a penalty of up to seven years," Bragg said.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website, and on Twitter @NYPDTips.
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