An NYPD detective who was brutally stabbed during a Bronx robbery tore a Halloween-style mask from one of his attackers as he fought back, law enforcement sources said Wednesday. The two suspects were later ordered held without bail.
Sneider Mejia, 24, was wearing a rubber, flesh-colored mask with a prominent nose when he and D’Angelo Caraballo, 25, allegedly targeted off-duty Det. Jose Mercedes in Norwood on Friday afternoon. Mercedes was cleaning out the trunk of his car when the pair allegedly ambushed him, sources said.
Mejia allegedly rode the scooter that carried the two men to the scene. Caraballo, who was shirtless at the time, allegedly attacked Mercedes with a knife.
As the struggle unfolded, Mercedes fought back and managed to rip off Mejia’s sinister-looking face covering, according to the sources.
The 44th Precinct detective, a 10-year NYPD veteran, survived the violent attack after the blade struck him at least seven times in the neck and leg but narrowly missed his vital organs, sources said.
Mercedes was released from the hospital Monday, greeted by salutes and loud applause from fellow officers and well-wishers.
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The two suspects, whom federal authorities identified as illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic, were captured overnight after the US Marshals Service found them hiding in the basement of a home in Lynn, Massachusetts, the NYPD said Wednesday.
Police said the men will be returned to New York City, where they are expected to face attempted murder charges.
During a joint appearance in Lynn District Court Wednesday, both Mejia and Caraballo were ordered held without bail.
Mejia appeared in court without the distinctive mask, wearing a Vale Sport sweatshirt marked with the number 14. He remained stone-faced throughout the proceeding. Caraballo wore a Prestige hoodie featuring a flashy image of a woman.
The NYPD said both suspects will be brought back to New York City to face attempted murder charges.
Both men entered the United States illegally during the Biden administration, according to authorities. Caraballo had also previously been arrested in New York for various offenses but was released.
