NEW YORK— In a shocking incident, a New York City police officer sustained a severe injury when a reckless driving suspect bit him during a chaotic series of events. Lenni Rodriguez Cruz, 28, now faces the possibility of a 25-year prison sentence for his involvement in a reckless car chase that resulted in numerous collisions and the injury of a police sergeant.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz revealed the details of the case, stating that the incident unfolded on the night of September 20. A police officer on patrol in the Jamaica section of Queens noticed Rodriguez Cruz driving a vehicle with license plates that were not registered to the car. This observation prompted the officer to attempt a traffic stop, but Rodriguez Cruz’s response escalated the situation dramatically.
Rather than complying with the officer’s instructions, Rodriguez Cruz chose to flee, initiating a reckless car chase. During the pursuit, he mounted a sidewalk and even drove through a park, causing panic among parkgoers who had to scramble to safety. The reckless actions of the suspect endangered the lives of both the public and law enforcement officers.
The situation took a violent turn when Rodriguez Cruz was apprehended and taken into custody. As a police sergeant attempted to place him in a holding cell, the suspect bit the officer, causing severe injuries to the officer’s left ring finger up to the first knuckle.