Retired NYPD Lieutenant Assaulted by Teens After Defending Cab Driver in Upper East Side
A 65-year-old retired NYPD officer was violently attacked by a group of teenagers this week on Manhattan’s Upper East Side after stepping in to defend a cab driver being harassed near Park Avenue, according to police and reports.
The incident occurred just days ago and is being investigated as a “gang assault” involving five young suspects. Four teenagers—three 14-year-olds and a 13-year-old—have been arrested as of Friday evening, NYPD confirmed. All face charges of second-degree assault and second-degree gang assault.
Victim Stepped in to Help Cabbie Before Being Attacked
According to the New York Post, the retired lieutenant noticed a group of teens harassing a cab driver on the Upper East Side and stepped in to de-escalate. Instead, he became the target of their aggression.
“They were looking for trouble, harassing everyone they saw,” the victim told the Post. “When they started to bother the cab driver, I went over and told them to leave him alone. That’s when one coward hit me from behind with a backpack.”
Victim Sustained Minor Injuries, Refused Medical Aid
The teens allegedly punched the man in the face and struck him with a backpack, knocking him to the ground. He sustained minor facial and knee injuries but declined medical treatment at the scene, according to NYPD.
NYPD Releases Photos, Asks Public for Help
The NYPD released photos of the suspects and continues to search for the fifth individual believed to have participated in the attack.
Descriptions of the suspects include teens wearing a mix of black and white clothing—T-shirts, shorts, and pants—and sneakers. The photos show the suspects near the scene shortly after the incident.
Community Reacts to Violent Teen Attack
The brazen daylight attack has sparked renewed concern about youth violence and public safety in New York City, particularly in areas once considered safe, like the Upper East Side.
“It’s a terrible thing when someone steps up to do the right thing and gets assaulted for it,” one local resident told Fox News Digital.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline.
