QUEENS, N.Y. — A Ridgewood man was arraigned Sunday on multiple assault charges after allegedly attacking a 9-year-old girl and severely injuring an off-duty police sergeant during his apprehension in Glendale, Queens.
Feliz Enrique, 31, of 68th Street, is accused of striking the young girl in the face as she played outside near 67th Place and Central Avenue on Saturday afternoon. The impact caused the child to fall to the ground, resulting in visible injuries and significant pain, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
Following the unprovoked assault, off-duty NYPD Sergeant Sebastian Hajder intervened and attempted to detain Enrique with the assistance of two bystanders.
During the struggle, Enrique bit the sergeant multiple times, including severing the top portion of his right index finger. Doctors were unable to reattach the fingertip.
“This attack on a vulnerable and unsuspecting child was unprovoked and cruel,” District Attorney Melinda Katz stated. “The sergeant put himself out there, even though he was not on duty, to apprehend this defendant.”
Injuries to child and officer confirmed
The girl was treated at a nearby hospital for bruises to her arm and back, bleeding from her lip and arm, loose teeth, and considerable discomfort. Sergeant Hajder also received hospital treatment for bite wounds on his hand and knee, along with abrasions on his limbs.
Enrique was arraigned on charges including first-, second-, and third-degree assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree harassment. Queens Criminal Court Judge Edward Daniels ordered him to return to court on May 15. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.