A man wearing a medical mask was caught on camera dealing a sucker-punch to an NYPD officer while he and his partner were focused on subduing a different suspect for robbery.
The incident occurred in the Bronx and was captured on video and reported by the New York Daily News. The officer who received the blind-side punch reportedly turned and fired his taser and chased down the new suspect.
The sucker-punching man was identified as Nelson Jimenez, 31. He was among the crowd of bystanders gathered near 183rd Street and Davidson Ave watching the arrest of the robbery suspect identified as Yoemdy Castro, 27, law enforcement sources told the New York Daily News. Castro was charged with resisting arrest, bail jumping, robbery, grand larceny and possession of stolen property.
In the video the man identified as Jimenez could be seen sneaking up behind one of the officers as his partner held his knee on the back of the man identified as Castro and worked to handcuff him and place him under arrest. Jimenez’ identity appeared concealed not only by the medical mask he was seen wearing, but also by a pair of sunglasses and a baseball cap.
The sucker-puncher could then be seen delivering one blow that knocked the officers winter cap off and then another glancing blow as the NYPD officer quickly draws and fires his taser. It is unclear from the video if the taser struck Jimenez, who is seen running off with the police officer in foot pursuit.
Jimenez was reportedly caught and arrested at a nearby Bodega. Jimenez was charged with assaulting a police officer, disorderly conduct and obstructing government administration, among other charges.
According to the New York Post, law enforcement officials said that another suspect, Brandon Isom, 25, attacked a third officer that arrived to the scene of the arrest. Isom was reportedly charged with assault and obstruction.
