NYPD Detective Stabbed in Bronx Robbery; Two Illegal Migrants Arrested in Massachusetts

Off-duty Det. Jose Mercedes was stabbed seven times during a Bronx robbery. Suspects Sneider Mejia and D'Angelo Caraballo, both illegal migrants, were arrested in Lynn, MA.

NYPD Detective Fights Back, Tears Off Attacker's Mask During Bronx Stabbing

An off-duty NYPD detective stabbed at least seven times during a robbery in the Bronx managed to rip a Halloween-style mask off one of his attackers as he fought back, law enforcement sources told NY Post Metro Wednesday — the same day both suspects were ordered held without bail.

Sneider Mejia, 24, was wearing a rubber, flesh-colored mask with a pronounced nose when he and D'Angelo Caraballo, 25, allegedly ambushed Det. Jose Mercedes on a Friday afternoon in the Norwood neighborhood, sources said. Mercedes was cleaning out the trunk of his car at the time.

According to authorities, Mejia drove the scooter that brought the pair to the scene. Caraballo, who was shirtless, allegedly carried out the stabbing. During the struggle, Mercedes tore the mask from Mejia's face.

The detective, assigned to the 44th Precinct and a 10-year department veteran, sustained wounds to his neck and leg. Sources said the blade narrowly missed his vital organs. He was discharged from the hospital Monday to salutes and applause from fellow officers.

Federal authorities identified both men as illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic. The US Marshals Service located them hiding in a basement in Lynn, Massachusetts, and took them into custody overnight, the NYPD confirmed Wednesday. Both appeared in Lynn District Court that morning, where a judge ordered them held without bail.

Mejia appeared in court without his mask, expressionless, wearing a Vale Sport sweatshirt bearing the number 14. Caraballo wore a Prestige hoodie with a graphic print.

The NYPD said both men will be transported back to New York City to face attempted murder charges. NY Post Metro reports that both entered the United States illegally during the Biden administration, and that Caraballo had previously been arrested for various offenses in New York before being released.

Source: NY Post Metro