2 men accused of stabbing off-duty NYPD detective plead not guilty in Bronx court
Sneider Mejia, 24, was led into court first, followed by Dangelo Caraballo, 25. Both were in handcuffs and wore khaki outfits. They were given headphones to listen as an interpreter translated the proceedings.
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Two men accused of stabbing and robbing an off-duty NYPD detective pleaded not guilty Wednesday in a Bronx courtroom.
Sneider Mejia, 24, was led into court first, followed by Dangelo Caraballo, 25. Both were in handcuffs and wore khaki outfits. They were given headphones to listen as an interpreter translated the proceedings.
Both face charges including attempted murder, robbery and assault on a police officer.
Prosecutors asked that the men remain in custody, arguing they were flight risks. Police say the pair were found hiding in the basement of a home in Lynn, Massachusetts, after the attack. They were brought back to New York to face charges.
Defense lawyers pointed out that family members were in court.
The judge ordered both men held pending bail applications. He also allowed video and still photography in the courtroom, saying public access to the proceedings helps build trust in the justice system.
The charges stem from an Oct. 2 attack on Detective Jose Mercedes near Rochambeau Avenue and East 208th Street in Norwood.
According to police, two men approached Mercedes on a motorized bike around 1:44 p.m., stabbed and slashed him multiple times, and took a chain from his neck. They then rode away.
Mercedes, 33, was taken to Jacobi Hospital. He has since been released.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Mercedes said he was stabbed 10 times. Stitches were visible on his right arm, and his left arm was in a cast. He said he needed surgery and was still working to regain movement in his left hand.
“I told them in English, I told them in Spanish that I was a police officer. They didn’t care,” Mercedes said. “I almost died.”
Mercedes said he was on vacation when the attack happened. Despite his injuries, he said he chased his attackers for about five blocks before asking someone for help. That person called 911.
The Department of Homeland Security said Carabello and Mejia are Dominican Republic nationals and are in the United States illegally. DHS also stated that both men have prior arrests in New York, including weapon possession charges.
