An NYPD detective who was stabbed and slashed seven times during a brazen Bronx robbery last week said he is recovering after leaving the hospital Monday evening.
“I’m feeling much better, thank you,” Det. Jose Mercedes told The Post by phone Saturday.
The off-duty officer, a 10-year NYPD veteran, was attacked in broad daylight Oct. 2 in Norwood. Officials and sources said two men on an e-bike targeted him as he emptied the trunk of his car and tried to steal his gold chain.
Mercedes, 33, who is assigned to the 44th Precinct, fought back and attempted to protect himself from the attackers.
The assailants allegedly slashed the detective at least seven times in the neck and leg before tearing the chain from him and escaping on the motorized bike, according to police and sources.
Graphic video obtained by The Post showed the bloodied detective being placed on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance after the violent confrontation.
Mercedes was taken to Jacobi Medical Center, where he remained for several days before being discharged.
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On Monday evening, dozens of fellow NYPD officers gathered outside the Morris Park hospital to welcome him home. As bagpipes played, the Finest saluted and applauded while the injured detective was wheeled outside.
Smiling broadly, Mercedes rose from his wheelchair and gave a thumbs-up to the crowd of supporters.
Police announced Tuesday that they had identified the two alleged attackers, who were captured on surveillance video fleeing the area.
Authorities identified the alleged attacker who wielded the knife as 25-year-old D’Angelo Caraballo. Sneider Mejia, 24, was allegedly operating the e-bike.
The NYPD said Wednesday that both men, whom federal authorities identified as migrants living illegally in the United States from the Dominican Republic, were arrested by the US Marshals Service. They were found hiding in the basement of a home in Lynn, Massachusetts.
The suspects are expected to be returned to New York City, where they will face attempted murder charges, police said.
During a joint appearance in Lynn District Court Wednesday, the pair was ordered held without bail.
