Queens, NY – Shawn Rivera, 27, and Edwin Rivera, 32, were arraigned today on multiple charges, including first-degree assault and strangulation, following an attack on an off-duty NYPD officer. The incident occurred after a traffic dispute near Queens Boulevard and 70th Street in Elmhurst.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stressed the severity of the assault, stating that the streets should not devolve into lawlessness and that officers must be respected. The Rivera brothers face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
The event unfolded on August 30 around 12:50 p.m. Off-duty NYPD Officer Christopher Campos was driving when a white Chrysler Pacifica, partially parked on the sidewalk and blocking the street, accelerated toward his vehicle. Moments later, Campos heard something hit the rear of his car and reversed to investigate. Shawn Rivera ran toward Campos’s car and shattered its back window by punching it.
Campos exited his vehicle and identified himself as a police officer while drawing his firearm. As he attempted to arrest Shawn Rivera, Edwin Rivera intervened.
Both brothers assaulted Campos, pushing him to the ground and attempting to strangle him. During the altercation, Campos fired a round, accidentally striking himself in the leg and hitting Edwin Rivera’s hand.
Campos was subsequently taken to Elmhurst Hospital and underwent knee surgery. Both brothers are scheduled to return to court on September 5.
They are charged with assault in the first degree, assault on a peace or police officer, two counts of attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and three counts of assault in the second degree. Shawn Rivera is additionally charged with criminal mischief in the third degree.