NYPD detective recovering after Bronx robbery stabbing

An off-duty NYPD detective, Jose Mercedes, is recovering after being stabbed seven times during a daylight robbery in the Bronx. The 33-year-old veteran, assigned to the 44th Precinct, was attacked on October 2 in Norwood while cleaning out his car trunk. Two individuals on an e-bike attempted to steal his gold chain, and when Mercedes fought back, they slashed and stabbed him in the neck and leg before fleeing.

Following several days of hospitalization at Jacobi Medical Center, Mercedes was discharged on Monday evening to a reception involving bagpipes and applause from fellow officers.

Two suspects, identified as D’Angelo Caraballo, 25, and Sneider Mejia, 24, were apprehended by the US Marshals Service while hiding in a basement in Lynn, Massachusetts. Federal authorities identified both men as illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic. They were ordered held without bail in a Massachusetts court and are expected to be returned to New York City to face attempted murder charges.