NYPD Seeks Man Accused of Assaulting Off-Duty Officer and Stealing Firearm; Alleged Accomplice Apprehended
Police arrest suspect and seek accomplice after off-duty NYPD officer is critically injured in Bronx robbery.
The New York City Police Department has taken one suspect into custody and is actively searching for a second in connection with the violent robbery and assault of an off-duty officer in the Bronx early Saturday morning.
Authorities identified Wayne Lucas, 23, as still at large while confirming that Taveon Hargrove, also 23, was arrested in Virginia on Tuesday morning. The arrest was carried out by the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force along with NYPD detectives. Officials say Hargrove and Lucas are accused of ambushing the 27-year-old officer shortly before 4 a.m., forcing him to the ground and severely beating him.
According to police reports, the suspects struck the officer in the face multiple times, causing significant fractures. During the attack, they allegedly held a knife to his throat before robbing him of his wallet and iPhone. The situation escalated further when they took the officer’s registered firearm and fled the scene.
Emergency medical services transported the injured officer to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. The officer’s identity has not yet been made public, and updates on his current status remain unavailable. Officials have confirmed he is still receiving treatment.
In a social media post, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch highlighted a spate of recent assaults on law enforcement in New York City, referencing other brutal attacks in recent weeks. “In just the past month, we’ve seen some heinous attacks on police officers in NYC, including: one with part of his finger bitten off; another with part of his ear bitten off; and this latest vicious assault resulting in severe fractures to an officer’s face, among too many others,” Tisch wrote.
Tisch issued a warning to anyone who targets law enforcement officers, stating, “Attack one of our own and you will get the full force of the greatest police department in the world coming for you, just like Taveon Hargrove does now.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about Wayne Lucas or details related to the incident to come forward. The case remains under active investigation by both NYPD and federal agencies.
