Community Corner
Police Commissioner Steps Into Fray After Officer Attacked On Street
In a story first reported by CBS News, the Yonkers top cop, who happened to be passing by, helped take the suspect into custody.
YONKERS, NY — Police officers struggling with a suspect in Getty Square got backup from the boss, who happened to be driving down the street when an unusual set of circumstances began to develop.
"It's shocking when you drive down the street and you see someone swinging from a tree," Commissioner Christopher Sapienza told CBS 2 News New York City. "It's not something you see everyday. And when I see one of my officers alone, I jumped out to help one of our officers to make sure he was safe and to make sure we can safely take this person into custody."
The strange scene unfolded Monday, when police say a shirtless man behaving erratically attacked an officer as he tried to control the situation on a busy street. The events were captured on police body-cam and surveillance cameras.
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"Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza, during a critical arrest — proving that teamwork truly makes the dream work," Yonkers police said in a statement released on social media. "Let's give a round of applause to Commissioner Sapienza and our incredible police department for their dedication to serving Yonkers with pride and unity."
He may hold the highest rank in @YonkersPD but still answers the call when needed. Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza was driving by when he saw another Officer in need of assistance, attempting to speak & offer help to a man in Getty Square. pic.twitter.com/lQrlHYtFLk
— Mayor Mike Spano (@MayorMikeSpano) April 2, 2024
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