The sole migrant suspect involved in the gang attack on two NYPD cops in Times Square has been released on bail, according to sources. Yohenry Brito, a 24-year-old Venezuelan migrant, had been held at Rikers Island since the January 27 incident. However, he walked out of jail on Tuesday after the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bay Ridge posted his $15,000 bail. The church’s pastor, Rev. Juan Ruiz, stated that their church serves as a sanctuary and believes in the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He also mentioned the politically charged context surrounding the case and the need for breathing space.
Brito is one of seven migrants charged in the shocking assault on an NYPD lieutenant and a police officer in Times Square. Five of the suspects, Yorman Reveron, Jhoan Borada, Wilson Juarez, Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, and Kelvin Servita Arocha, were released without bail after being charged with assault on a police officer and obstructing governmental investigation. Another suspect, Yarwuin Madris, was arrested this week and became the second member of the migrant mob to be jailed. Madris was arraigned on assault charges and ordered to be held without bail.
Last week, it was reported that four of the migrants had fled to California after being released on bail. However, the Manhattan DA’s Office confirmed that two of them, Juarez and Arocha, were found in the same New York City apartment where Madris was arrested. The spokesperson stated that Juarez and Arocha are now in the custody of federal immigration authorities.
The incident occurred when the two officers confronted the migrants on West 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. A scuffle broke out, leading to a violent attack on the officers captured on video. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg defended not requesting monetary bail for the suspects, stating that his office was still reviewing the footage to determine each individual’s level of involvement in the assault. Brito’s bail was recommended to be set at $15,000 cash or a $50,000 bond due to his alleged role in sparking the scuffle and having two pending misdemeanor cases.
In a separate incident, Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, who was out without bail in the Times Square cop attack case, was arrested again for shoplifting at a Macy’s department store. Surveillance video showed Gomez-Izquiel and a group of asylum seekers assaulting the officers before allegedly stealing $608 worth of clothing. Another suspect, Ulises Bohorquez, was arrested but has not been linked to the January 27 Times Square attack.
