New York City, New York – Two more suspects have been apprehended in connection to the caught-on-camera assault of an NYPD lieutenant and officer outside a Manhattan migrant shelter, the police reported on Thursday.
Yohenry Brito, 24, and Jandry Barros, 21, both migrants, were arrested on Wednesday night for robbery and felony assault.
The attack occurred on Saturday night when the officers attempted to disperse a disorderly group outside the Candler Building on W. 42nd St. near Seventh Ave., as shown on surveillance video released by the NYPD. When the officers tried to arrest a man in a yellow jacket, they were suddenly attacked by multiple people from all sides.
Both officers endured scratches, bumps, and bruises in the assault, according to NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell.
Police suspect that a total of 12 men were involved in the assault and are still searching for five of them.
Five individuals, Yorman Reveron, 24, Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, 19, Wilson Juarez, 21, Kelvin Servita Arocha, 19, and Jhoan Boada, 22, were arrested at the scene and are facing charges of assault on a police officer, gang assault, or attempted assault, along with other charges.
The first five suspects arrested are migrants who live at other shelters, and four of them were set free without bail after their arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court.
Following his arraignment, Boada was also released without bail after his attorney denied his involvement in the brawl. However, one of the officers involved in the attack identified Boada’s distinctive pink shoes and recognized him in a wanted flyer related to the incident, as per prosecutors.
Brito and Barros were awaiting arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday. Brito has prior arrests for petty larceny and robbery, while Barros has a prior arrest for petty larceny in Queens. Barros is due back in Queens Criminal Court on that case later this month.
Chell expressed outrage that the first five suspects are back on the streets, emphasizing the need for consequences for such assaults.