A stark bare Queens man accused of attacking bicyclists — and assaulting three NYPD officers — was hit with assault and tried theft fees at his Wednesday arraignment in Manhattan Supreme Court docket, the Manhattan District Legal professional’s Workplace introduced.
Police charged that Mekhiel Saldana, 26, was bare whereas hanging from a crosswalk pole on the Decrease East Facet when he tried to kick bikers off their rides round 9 a.m. on Aug. 25. Two NYPD officers tried to apprehend Saldana, however he bumped into the road and jumped atop a automotive, then tackled the cops in a bid to seize their weapons and tasers, in line with courtroom paperwork.
Mekhiel Soldana is arraigned in Manhattan Supreme Court docket on September 17, 2025.
(Curtis Means/Pool)
Saldana bit the fingers of one of many officers for round 2 minutes earlier than releasing his grip as extra cops rushed to the scene, paperwork acknowledged.
“These officers were just trying to do their jobs when they were allegedly violently assaulted by this individual,” stated Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg. “We do not have tolerance for those who attack members of law enforcement, and I hope the injured officers can make full recoveries.”
Saldana was transported by EMS to Bellevue Hospital — however the mayhem didn’t cease.
On the hospital, he allegedly lunged at one of many officers guarding him, trying to succeed in for his or her gun as each fell to the bottom, officers stated. The officer was punched within the head a number of occasions by Saldana earlier than hospital safety subdued him, officers charged.
The three officers concerned within the assaults have been positioned on medical go away; a feminine officer whose finger had been bit misplaced feeling in two of her fingers, and hasn’t been in a position to return to work, in line with courtroom paperwork.
Saldana’s bail was set Wednesday at $10,000 money and $30,000 in insured bond or partially secured bond.
