Full Breakdown
Off-Duty NYPD Detective Stabbed in Bronx; Suspects Arrested in Massachusetts
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident
On October 2, Detective Jose Mercedes, 33, was off-duty in the Bronx when two men on an e-bike tried to snatch the gold chain he wore. He resisted and was stabbed seven times in the torso, neck and leg. After chasing the attackers for two blocks, he collapsed and was taken to Jacobi Medical Center, where he recovered and was released.
Background & Context
Both suspects are undocumented immigrants from the Dominican Republic with prior arrests for weapon possession, grand larceny and reckless endangerment. The case has drawn attention to New York City’s sanctuary policies, which limit local cooperation with ICE on civil detainers.
Timeline
- October 2 – Mercedes is stabbed during the attempted chain snatch.
- October 7 – NYPD detectives, working with the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Boston Regional Fugitive Task Force, locate the suspects in a basement studio at 10 Central Avenue in Lynn, Massachusetts, and arrest them overnight.
Data & Statistics
- Victim: Detective Jose Mercedes, 10 years of service.
- Injuries: Seven stab wounds; no vital organs were struck.
- Suspects: D’Angelo Caraballo (alleged slasher) and Sneider Mejia (e-bike driver).
- Legal status: Both are illegal immigrants; ICE has lodged detainers.
- Custody: Held without bail pending a joint appearance in Lynn District Court; they are expected to be transferred to New York for attempted-murder charges.
Official Statements & Responses
The Department of Homeland Security, through Secretary Markwayne Mullin, emphasized that the suspects are illegal aliens from the Dominican Republic and linked the incident to broader immigration-enforcement concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Name spelling: Some outlets list the primary suspect as “D’Angelo Caraballo,” while others use “D’Angelo Carabello.” Both refer to the same 25-year-old individual.
- Arrest status: Early coverage indicated the suspects remained at large, whereas later reports confirmed their capture in Lynn, Massachusetts.
- Detainer handling: Sources differ on whether ICE detainers were filed, declined, or not honored under city rules, leaving the precise procedural timeline unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m feeling much better, thank you,” — Det. Jose Mercedes
What’s Next
Both men are scheduled for a joint appearance in Lynn District Court, where they will be held without bail. After that hearing, they are expected to be extradited to New York to face attempted-murder charges.