Nationwide — NYPD Detective Jose Mercedes walked out of the hospital Monday evening to cheers and applause after spending several days recovering from a violent robbery that left him stabbed and slashed seven times. The 10-year veteran was attacked Friday while he was off duty in Norwood, Bronx. He was treated at the hospital for multiple injuries after two men allegedly targeted him for his gold chain.
Dozens of other officers gathered outside the hospital to welcome Mercedes as he was released. Bagpipes played while fellow officers saluted and applauded him. He was initially taken outside in a wheelchair, but he stood up before leaving and gave the crowd a thumbs-up. He smiled as the officers cheered around him.
According to the New York Post, the attack happened Friday afternoon while Mercedes was clearing items from the trunk of his car. Police said two men riding an e-bike approached him and tried to grab the gold chain from his neck. Mercedes resisted and fought back, leading to a violent struggle with the two men.
The suspects then stabbed and slashed the detective multiple times before taking the chain, police said. Video from the scene showed Mercedes bleeding heavily after the attack. He was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center, where he received treatment for his injuries.
Mercedes serves with the NYPD’s 44th Precinct and has been with the department for about 10 years. His release brought a large group of fellow officers to the hospital, where they stood together as he left. The detective appeared to be in good spirits and acknowledged the support before departing.
The two suspects remained at large Monday, and police had not announced any arrests. Detectives are continuing to investigate the robbery and stabbing as they work to identify the men responsible. Authorities are also reviewing the circumstances surrounding the attack and searching for information that could help locate the suspects.