NYPD Detective Released After Alleged Bronx Stabbing

Detective Jose Mercedes, a 33-year-old officer with the NYPD's 44th Precinct, has been released from Jacobi Medical Center and is recovering from injuries sustained during a robbery in the Bronx. Mercedes told the New York Post on Saturday that he is feeling much better. The incident occurred on Oct. 2 when Mercedes, who is off-duty and has served for 10 years, was cleaning out his car trunk. According to the NYPD, two suspects ambushed him and attempted to steal his gold chain. Mercedes fought back before being stabbed at least seven times in the neck and leg. Sources and police told the Post that the suspects ripped the chain from his neck and fled on a motorized bike. Video obtained by the newspaper showed Mercedes covered in blood as he was loaded into an ambulance. He was transported to Jacobi Medical Center and discharged several days later. On Monday evening, dozens of fellow NYPD officers greeted Mercedes as he left the hospital in a wheelchair. Bagpipes played and officers applauded as he departed. Mercedes later stood up, smiled, and flashed a thumbs-up to the crowd. Police named D'Angelo Caraballo, 25, and Sneider Mejia, 24, as the men suspected in the attack. The department attributed the slashing to Caraballo and the bike driving to Mejia. Federal authorities identified both suspects as illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic. The U.S. Marshals Service took them into custody after finding them hiding in the basement of a home in Lynn, Massachusetts. The pair appeared jointly in Lynn District Court, where they were ordered held without bail. Police said they are expected to be returned to New York City to face attempted murder charges.