A man hit a New York Police Department investigator on the head with a fiberglass stick as the detective was investigating another crime, police say.
The Crime Scene Unit detective was processing the scene of a burglary that occurred earlier Monday morning in Queens when he was assaulted around noon, according to an NYPD incident report.
Video released by the Detectives’ Endowment Association, a union representing NYPD detectives, shows the officer looking through paperwork next to a property front with broken glass when a man walks up behind him with a large stick in each of his hands and strikes the detective, who then leans over, grabbing his head.
NYPD EXPERIENCES MASS EXODUS OF POLICE OFFICERS, WITH 75% SPIKE IN DEPARTURES AND RETIREMENTS
The footage, which shows multiple witnesses to the incident, also shows the suspect starting to flee the scene as police officers pursue him down the street.
Welcome to NYC!
Even as our Detectives investigate crimes they’re attacked by emboldened criminals, who have quickly realized there are no consequences for law breakers in our city.
The DEA is calling for this violence to be fully prosecuted as we look to file civil charges. pic.twitter.com/3FuiBEEcE1
— Detectives’ Endowment Association (@NYCPDDEA) April 26, 2021
“What happened?” someone can be heard saying as officers begin chasing the suspect.
Police apprehended 25-year-old Akeele Morgan a short distance away, and the detective was transported to NY Hospital Queens, where he was treated for minor injuries, according to the NYPD.
The detective union told the Washington Examiner that the attack left the detective with a large welt across his face. He is off work on Tuesday due to his injuries. His identity has not been released.
“Once again, New Yorkers witness just how emboldened violent criminals are,” DEA president Paul DiGiacomo said in a statement. “If there’s anyone wondering why this happened, they can ask their elected officials who have created a city of no consequence for criminality.”
Morgan was charged with “Assault on a Police Officer, Assault 2, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct, [and] Harassment,” according to the NYPD. His bail status and whether he is set to appear is correct is unclear.
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Police did not provide a motive for the attack.
