A 14-year-old robbery suspect was apprehended by the NYPD after allegedly colliding with a police officer using a dirt bike during a robbery in Brooklyn. The incident occurred on Monday evening at the intersection of West 6th Street and Neptune Avenue in Coney Island. The teenager, accompanied by an accomplice, was attempting to flee the scene of the robbery with law enforcement in pursuit when he rammed into an officer with his 2021 Zhejiang Koolcnchet XB87 dirt bike. The officer was subsequently transported to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Following the collision, the young suspect was thrown from his bike and sustained minor injuries upon landing in the street. He was taken to Maimonides Medical Center, where he is also listed in stable condition. Due to his status as a minor, his name has not been officially released. However, he now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault on a police officer, assault, obstruction of governmental administration, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon.
The second suspect, dressed entirely in black, managed to escape on a black two-wheeled vehicle. Further details regarding the initial robbery that prompted police response remain unknown at this time.
This incident adds to a series of recent crimes involving motorists intentionally targeting on-duty NYPD officers. Just last week, Tino Zalivar, 57, was arrested for allegedly striking a cop with his Jeep in Staten Island. The officer was retrieving documents from his cruiser when Zaldivar sideswiped him, resulting in hospitalization. Zaldivar initially fled the scene but was later apprehended and charged with assault on a police officer, reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident, criminal mischief, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and reckless endangerment of property.
In late January, a hit-and-run driver rammed an NYPD officer who attempted to stop him in Inwood. Additionally, Sahara Dula, 24, intentionally drove into a police officer who was redirecting her while she was driving the wrong way on the Upper East Side. Another incident involved a moped rider intentionally plowing into an NYPD officer who tried to stop him in the Bronx last month. Similar brazen attacks on officers occurred in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and North Corona, Queens, in December.
The New York Post recently reported that NYPD officers have been assaulted by suspects at an alarming rate, with 4,077 officers injured in the first nine months of 2023. This figure is on track to reach a total of 5,436 injuries for the year, according to the latest NYPD statistics. The data for the last quarter of 2023 has not yet been officially released.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry expressed concern over the escalating number of attacks on police officers, calling it a “full-blown epidemic.” Hendry emphasized the need for consistent prosecution and incarceration of those who assault law enforcement, urging New Yorkers to demand an end to the chaos.
1 Response
It’s disheartening to hear about a 14-year-old being involved in a robbery and colliding with a police officer. This incident highlights the importance of addressing the underlying issues that lead young individuals to engage in criminal activities. While it’s crucial to hold them accountable for their actions, it’s equally important to provide them with the necessary support and guidance to steer them away from a life of crime. Investing in programs that focus on education, mentorship, and community engagement can play a significant role