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Manhattan D.A. Indicts Mekhiel Saldana in Alleged Naked Attacks on NYPD Officers

Prosecutors say the case stems from an August 25 confrontation that left three officers on medical leave.

Overview

  • Saldana, 26, was arraigned in Manhattan Supreme Court on three counts each of second-degree assault and attempted second-degree robbery.
  • Prosecutors allege he was naked on the Lower East Side, tried to kick cyclists, climbed onto a car, and fought officers while reaching for two guns and a taser.
  • Court documents say he bit an officer’s finger for about two minutes until additional officers arrived.
  • After transport to Bellevue Hospital, he allegedly lunged for a transporting officer’s gun and punched the officer before security intervened.
  • Media accounts differ on his pretrial status, with the Daily News reporting $10,000 cash or $30,000 bond and amNewYork reporting detention without bail, and courtroom reporting described Saldana shouting that he tried to take guns to kill himself.