WHITE PLAINS, NY – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced that Yonkers Police Department Sergeant Hector Cartagena, 55, has been indicted on multiple assault charges. The indictment comes after an incident in March where Sgt. Cartagena allegedly kicked and punched a man multiple times during an arrest.
DA Rocah emphasized that police officers are expected to protect and uphold the law. She commended the Yonkers Police Department for their proactive approach in handling the situation by referring it to her office after their internal investigation highlighted the sergeant’s actions as inconsistent with department policies.
The grand jury charged Sgt. Cartagena with Assault in the Second Degree and Attempted Assault in the Second Degree, both felonies, and Assault in the Third Degree, a misdemeanor. He was arrested today and arraigned before Justice James McCarty at the Westchester County Court.
The alleged assault occurred around 9:44 p.m. on March 14, as the suspect was being detained following a high-speed chase involving a stolen vehicle. Sgt. Cartagena is accused of kicking the suspect four times and punching him ten times, resulting in a fractured orbital bone.
The high-speed pursuit began after the suspect reportedly stole a vehicle and ended in a crash at Warburton and Glenwood Avenues in Yonkers. The suspect faces charges of grand larceny, assault, and reckless endangerment, prosecuted by the DA’s Office. Sgt. Cartagena’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 31.
