Dangelo Rafael Jean Caraballo, 25, and Sneider Mejia Bautista, 24, are wanted in connection with the stabbing of off-duty NYPD Detective Jose Mercedes during an alleged robbery attempt in New York City. Federal officials say both Dominican nationals entered the United States unlawfully and have extensive criminal histories in New York. Mercedes was hospitalized after being stabbed and slashed multiple times but was released this week. The two suspects remained at large as of October 6, 2026.
| 1) | Detective attacked during alleged robbery |
|---|---|
| 2) | Suspects remain wanted after Bronx stabbing |
| 3) | Federal officials describe unlawful entry |
| 4) | Prior arrests and immigration detainers |
| 5) | Officials dispute handling under sanctuary policies |
Detective attacked during alleged robbery
Police say the incident occurred while Detective Jose Mercedes was clearing items from the trunk of his vehicle in New York City. The two suspects allegedly attempted to take his gold chain. When Mercedes resisted, the attackers reportedly stabbed and slashed him several times.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Mercedes chased the suspects for about two blocks before collapsing. He was taken to Jacobi Medical Center in Morris Park for treatment. The detective was later wheeled out of the hospital and stood before fellow officers as they applauded his recovery.
Suspects remain wanted after Bronx stabbing
Caraballo and Bautista are accused of attempted murder and remain at large. Police identified them as the suspects in the attack, while the criminal allegations remain unresolved unless established in court.
The investigation centers on the alleged robbery and the violence that followed when Mercedes fought back. Authorities have not announced that either man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing. The public was advised to rely on law enforcement information regarding the search.
Federal officials describe unlawful entry
The Department of Homeland Security said both men entered the United States unlawfully through the Arizona border at different times. Federal officials said they were apprehended at the border and later released into the country during the Biden administration.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticized federal and local immigration policies after the attack. He argued that the crime might have been prevented through different enforcement practices and called on New York authorities to cooperate with federal officials in locating the suspects.
“DHS is calling on New York authorities to cooperate with us so we can get these dangerous criminals off our streets.”
Prior arrests and immigration detainers
Federal officials said Caraballo’s prior arrests included allegations involving reckless endangerment, reckless driving, fleeing from police in a motor vehicle, possession of burglar’s tools, controlled substances, a loaded firearm and second-degree menacing with a weapon. After a December 2024 arrest involving burglar’s tools, local authorities released him before Immigration and Customs Enforcement could lodge a detainer, according to DHS.
Bautista’s listed arrests included criminal possession of stolen property, possession of burglar’s tools, grand larceny and criminal possession of a weapon. DHS said ICE lodged a detainer after an October 2025 weapon charge, but local officials declined the request under New York City’s sanctuary policies. Federal officials also said Bautista was released quickly after other arrests, leaving insufficient time for ICE to file detainers.
Officials dispute handling under sanctuary policies
The case has renewed debate over cooperation between New York authorities and federal immigration officials. DHS says local policies and rapid releases prevented or limited the use of immigration detainers in the suspects’ prior cases.
The department characterized the alleged stabbing as a public-safety failure linked to border and sanctuary-city policies. The details of the detainer decisions, including the timing and legal basis for each release, are central to the competing claims. The suspects’ whereabouts were not publicly disclosed, and the detective’s release from the hospital marked the latest reported development.
| 1 | An off-duty NYPD detective was stabbed during an alleged chain-snatching attempt. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Two Dominican nationals, Dangelo Rafael Jean Caraballo and Sneider Mejia Bautista, remain wanted. |
| 3 | Federal officials say both suspects entered the United States unlawfully through Arizona. |
| 4 | Both men had prior arrests involving weapons, property crimes or other offenses. |
| 5 | DHS says local releases and sanctuary policies affected ICE detainers. |
Summary
The attack on Detective Jose Mercedes has prompted scrutiny of the suspects’ prior criminal records and their immigration histories. Federal officials say ICE detainers were not lodged in time in some cases or were declined by local authorities in another. Both suspects remain wanted, while Mercedes has been released from the hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is wanted in the case?
Police are seeking Dangelo Rafael Jean Caraballo, 25, and Sneider Mejia Bautista, 24, both Dominican nationals.
What happened to Detective Jose Mercedes?
He was stabbed and slashed multiple times during the alleged robbery attempt, chased the suspects for two blocks and was later treated at a hospital before being released.
What do federal officials say about the suspects’ immigration status?
DHS says both men entered the United States unlawfully through the Arizona border and were released after being apprehended.
Why are ICE detainers part of the dispute?
DHS says Caraballo was released before a detainer could be lodged, while a detainer for Bautista after a 2025 weapon charge was declined by local officials.
