Six migrants have been indicted for assaulting New York City police officers outside a Queens hotel being used as a shelter. The incident occurred when officers were checking on the welfare of three unattended children. The suspects were charged with attempted assault in the first degree, attempted gang assault in the first and second degrees, and other related crimes. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated that the two officers were allegedly surrounded, punched, and kicked by a group of adults in the assault outside a Long Island City hotel.
The suspects involved in the attack were identified as Juan Munoz, 25; Alejandro Munoz, 42; Karina Navarro-Chavez, 42; Miguel Chiluisa, 23; Cristian Taipe, 30; and Natali Iza, 27. Chiluisa is facing charges of both second and third-degree escape, while he and Iza are also charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
The incident took place around 4:20 a.m. as the officers were checking on the children riding bicycles outside the shelter. Iza began yelling at the officers, pushing and striking one of them, while the others surrounded him. Chiluisa allegedly threw a children’s bicycle at an officer, causing injuries. Navarro-Chavez also struck an officer on the back of the head with an unknown object.
Iza struck another officer with a children’s bike, and the group continued to punch, shove, and kick the officers. Chiluisa managed to flee the scene but was later found and arrested at a subway station. The officers were treated for their injuries, including shoulder pain and abrasions, at a hospital.
According to reports, at least four of the suspects are migrants. This incident is reminiscent of another attack where migrants assaulted NYPD officers in Times Square earlier this year. The officers were trying to disperse a crowd when they were attacked.
The Queens District Attorney’s office and U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) have been contacted for further information on the case. It is essential to hold those responsible for harming law enforcement officers accountable for their actions. Such incidents highlight the challenges faced by officers in the line of duty and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being while carrying out their responsibilities.
