NYPD Det. Jose Mercedes has been released from the hospital and is recovering after allegedly being stabbed seven times during an attempted robbery in the Bronx. The 33-year-old detective was attacked while off duty on October 2 as he cleaned out his vehicle. Two suspects were arrested in Massachusetts and are expected to face charges in New York City.
Mercedes, a 10-year NYPD veteran assigned to the 44th Precinct, said he was feeling better after the attack. Police said the suspects allegedly took his gold chain and fled on a motorized bike before being located in a basement in Lynn, Massachusetts.
| 1) | Detective released from hospital |
|---|---|
| 2) | Details of the Bronx attack |
| 3) | Suspects arrested in Massachusetts |
| 4) | Expected New York prosecution |
| 5) | Police response and public attention |
Detective released from hospital
Jose Mercedes, 33, was released from Jacobi Medical Center several days after the October 2 attack. The detective was treated for stab and slash wounds to his neck and leg. On a Monday evening, fellow officers gathered as he left the Morris Park hospital in a wheelchair. Mercedes later stood, smiled and gave a thumbs-up to the crowd.
“I’m feeling much better, thank you,” Mercedes said.
Details of the Bronx attack
According to police, Mercedes was off duty and cleaning out the trunk of his car in the Bronx when two suspects allegedly ambushed him. The attackers reportedly tried to take his gold chain. Mercedes fought back and attempted to defend himself before one suspect allegedly stabbed him at least seven times.
Police identified D’Angelo Caraballo, 25, as the alleged attacker who used the knife, while Sneider Mejia, 24, was accused of driving the motorized bike. The pair allegedly ripped the chain from Mercedes’ neck and fled. Video recorded after the attack showed the detective covered in blood as he was placed in an ambulance.
Suspects arrested in Massachusetts
The two suspects were later found hiding in the basement of a home in Lynn, Massachusetts. The U.S. Marshals Service took them into custody, according to police. Federal authorities identified both men as Dominican citizens who were unlawfully present in the United States.
The arrests followed a joint investigation involving New York and federal law enforcement. The suspects had remained outside New York after the alleged attack until authorities located them in Massachusetts.
Expected New York prosecution
Caraballo and Mejia were ordered held without bail during a joint appearance in Lynn District Court. Police said they are expected to be returned to New York City, where they are expected to face attempted murder charges connected to the alleged stabbing and robbery.
The case remains an allegation, and the defendants are entitled to due process. Authorities have described the roles of the two men separately, with Caraballo accused of carrying out the stabbing and Mejia accused of operating the getaway vehicle.
Police response and public attention
The attack drew attention because Mercedes was an off-duty detective and was seriously injured while confronting the alleged robbery. His return from the hospital was marked by applause from dozens of officers and a bagpipe performance, reflecting support from colleagues at the 44th Precinct and elsewhere in the department.
The case has also prompted discussion about immigration enforcement and cooperation between local and federal authorities. Those issues remain separate from the criminal allegations, which will be addressed in New York court if the suspects are returned.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Det. Jose Mercedes was released after treatment for seven alleged stab wounds. |
| 2 | The alleged attack occurred while he was off duty in the Bronx on October 2. |
| 3 | Two suspects were arrested in Lynn, Massachusetts. |
| 4 | The suspects are expected to be returned to New York to face attempted murder charges. |
Summary
An off-duty NYPD detective is recovering after police said he was stabbed seven times during an alleged Bronx robbery. The two men accused in the attack were arrested in Massachusetts and are expected to face prosecution in New York. Mercedes has since left the hospital and thanked supporters for their concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was injured in the attack?
NYPD Det. Jose Mercedes, a 33-year-old 10-year department veteran assigned to the 44th Precinct, was injured.
When and where did the alleged stabbing occur?
Police said the attack occurred on October 2 in the Bronx while Mercedes was off duty and cleaning out his vehicle.
Where were the suspects arrested?
D’Angelo Caraballo and Sneider Mejia were arrested in the basement of a home in Lynn, Massachusetts.
What charges are expected?
Police said the suspects are expected to be returned to New York City to face attempted murder charges related to the alleged stabbing and robbery.