BRONX, NY — Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced the indictment of two men, Izayiah Jessamy, 20, and Karrem McClary, 23, for assaulting an NYPD officer at the Freeman Street subway station. The incident occurred after the officer asked them to extinguish their cigarettes, highlighting the risks officers face while enforcing subway regulations.
Charged with second-degree assault and harassment, Jessamy and McClary were arraigned on March 11 and 18, respectively, by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera. They are scheduled to return to court on June 3.
On November 13, 2023, around 2:30 PM, the defendants were allegedly found smoking inside the subway station. NYPD Officer John Hernandez, 35, approached them with a reminder that smoking is not permitted.
The situation escalated when Jessamy and McClary refused to comply and threatened to bypass the fare gate. Subsequently, both individuals allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with Officer Hernandez, assaulting him. This case underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining subway safety and the quality of life for commuters.