New York City Police Department Detective Jose Mercedes was released from Jacobi Medical Center on Monday after suffering seven stab and slash wounds during an attempted robbery in the Bronx. Mercedes was off duty when two suspects allegedly targeted his gold chain near his vehicle in the Norwood neighborhood on Friday afternoon. He pursued the attackers for about two blocks before collapsing near East 206th Street and Rochambeau Avenue. Police said the two suspects remained at large as Mercedes began his recovery.
The detective left the hospital in a wheelchair before standing and walking out in front of applauding officers. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Mayor Zohran Mamdani had visited Mercedes and his family after the attack.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Hospital release and visible recovery |
| 2) | Details of the Bronx robbery attempt |
| 3) | Detective chased attackers after the assault |
| 4) | Officials visit Mercedes during treatment |
| 5) | Suspects remain sought by police |
Hospital release and visible recovery
Detective Jose Mercedes was released from Jacobi Medical Center in Morris Park on Monday, several days after the Bronx attack. He was initially taken from the hospital in a wheelchair, but stood in front of a group of officers and walked out on his own. The scene was witnessed by hundreds of New York City police officers who had gathered to support him.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the moment as a sign of strength and determination. She said the department remained behind Mercedes while he continued recovering from the injuries sustained during the robbery attempt.
“Today, in another incredible feat of strength and determination, Detective Mercedes got up from his wheelchair and walked out of Jacobi Medical Center on his own two feet.”
Details of the Bronx robbery attempt
The confrontation occurred Friday afternoon in the Norwood neighborhood of the Bronx. Mercedes was off duty and was clearing items from the trunk of his car when two suspects riding an e-bike allegedly attempted to take his gold chain. Officials said the men initiated the confrontation as they tried to steal the jewelry.
Mercedes attempted to resist the robbery. During the struggle, the suspects stabbed and slashed him seven times before fleeing the area. Police have not announced arrests or identified the suspects, and the reported motive remains tied to the attempted theft of the chain.
Detective chased attackers after the assault
Despite sustaining multiple serious wounds, Mercedes pursued the attackers on foot for approximately two blocks. The chase ended near East 206th Street and Rochambeau Avenue, where he collapsed. The location marked the immediate aftermath of the struggle and the point where emergency assistance was needed.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch highlighted the detective’s decision to continue after the attack. Police have not disclosed additional details about the pursuit, including how far the suspects traveled or whether investigators recovered evidence from the scene. The attackers escaped before officers could take them into custody.
Officials visit Mercedes during treatment
Commissioner Jessica Tisch and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited Mercedes at Jacobi Medical Center shortly after the stabbing. The mayor also met with the detective’s family and publicly expressed hope for a quick and complete recovery.
The visits took place while Mercedes was receiving medical care for the seven stab and slash wounds. The department’s public support continued through his release, when officers gathered outside the hospital to applaud him. Officials said he would continue recovering after leaving the facility.
Suspects remain sought by police
The two suspects remained at large as of Monday, according to police. Investigators are pursuing the men in connection with the attempted gold-chain robbery and the stabbing of Mercedes. No arrests, charges, or suspect identities had been announced in the reported information.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said investigators would continue working to identify and locate those responsible. The case remains active, while Mercedes’s recovery proceeds following the Friday afternoon attack in the Bronx.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Detective Jose Mercedes was released from Jacobi Medical Center on Monday. |
| 2 | He was stabbed and slashed seven times during an attempted gold-chain robbery. |
| 3 | The suspects allegedly fled on an e-bike and remained at large. |
| 4 | Mercedes chased the attackers for about two blocks before collapsing. |
Summary
Detective Jose Mercedes is recovering after being attacked while off duty in the Bronx. He was released from the hospital after an assault that left him with seven stab and slash wounds. Police continue searching for the two suspects, who remained at large after fleeing the scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Detective Jose Mercedes?
Mercedes was stabbed and slashed seven times during an attempted robbery of his gold chain in the Norwood neighborhood of the Bronx.
When was Mercedes released from the hospital?
He was released from Jacobi Medical Center on Monday, several days after the Friday afternoon attack.
Have the suspects been arrested?
No. Police said the two suspects remained at large as of Monday.
