Indictment of Seven Suspects in Times Square Assault on NYPD Officers

The recent assault on two members of the New York Police Department (NYPD) in Times Square on January 27, 2024, has gained significant attention following the indictment of seven suspects involved in the incident. The assault took place around 8:30 p.m., when two officers were attempting to enforce the law by asking asylum seekers to stop blocking the sidewalk on West 42nd Street.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg released body camera footage of the incident on Thursday, February 8, 2024, which showed the escalating situation leading to the assault. The footage revealed that the officers had initially asked the asylum seekers to comply with their orders, but one of them, 24-year-old Yohenry Brito, refused to do so. This refusal led to a physical altercation between Brito and the officers, which in turn drew the attention and involvement of other individuals.

The body camera footage showed Brito being held against a wall by one officer, while another officer attempted to intervene. However, the situation quickly escalated as more individuals joined in, resulting in a chaotic scene with multiple officers being assaulted. The footage also revealed that some of the suspects involved were asylum seekers who had previously been released on their own recognizance.

Bragg identified 11 individuals involved in the assault and, on February 8, 2024, indicted seven of them. Two of the indicted individuals are still at large, while five suspects remain unaccounted for. The indictments include charges of second-degree assault against Yohenry Brito, Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, Yorman Reveron, and Kelvin Servita Arocha. Wilson Juarez was charged with evidence tampering.

The assault on the NYPD officers was met with widespread condemnation, with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressing his outrage and commitment to bringing those responsible to justice. Bragg emphasized the importance of ensuring that only those who committed criminal acts were charged, to avoid ensnaring innocent people in the criminal justice system.

The attack on the officers was not only a violation of the law but also an attack on the symbol of justice. Mayor Eric Adams echoed these sentiments, expressing his disappointment and calling for the apprehension and prosecution of those involved. The NYPD has stated that some of the suspects may have gang ties to Venezuela.

The DA’s office is working closely with the NYPD to identify and locate the remaining suspects. If convicted, those arrested face up to seven years in prison. It is important to note that no one is considered a fugitive unless they miss their next court date. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the remaining suspects is encouraged to call 212-335-9040.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and respecting the authority of law enforcement officers. It also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety and ensuring that justice is served. The ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects demonstrate the commitment of the NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office to bringing those responsible to justice.

In conclusion, the assault on two NYPD officers in Times Square on January 27, 2024, resulted in the indictment of seven suspects. The incident was met with widespread condemnation, and the ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects demonstrate the commitment of the NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office to ensuring that justice is served. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and respecting the authority of law enforcement officers.