NYPD attacks: Arrest after traffic cop sprayed with fire extinguisher in Harlem, police searching for 2 others

HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) — One of three men wanted for spraying a fire extinguisher at an NYPD traffic officer who was in his car has been arrested.

Ammar Alhesheshi, 18, was charged with assault in connection with the attack.

New York police said Escarlin Polanco Gonzalez, 19, and an unidentified man were still being sought.

The traffic cop was working near St. Nicholas Avenue and West 118th Street in Harlem when at least three people pulled up in a vehicle last Thursday.

One person in the group fired a fire extinguisher in the officer's face, then fled. The officer was taken to hospital and is expected to recover.

Authorities say one of the alleged perpetrators posted the attack on social media.

Mayor Eric Adams said the “clowns” who sprayed a fire extinguisher at an NYPD traffic cop sitting in his vehicle in Harlem will all be arrested.

“It's not only disrespectful to a public official, but it's an attack on the foundation of our city, it's not a joke. It's not funny,” Adams said.

The next day, last Friday, another group attacked another officer.

Police said it was around 4 p.m. near West Drive and West 90th Street on the Upper West Side when an NYPD on-duty officer on a marked police scooter attempted to escort three people on motorcycles outside of Central Park.

It was at that moment that one of the three hit the police officer, causing him to fall, and the attackers on motorcycles fled.

The officer was taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries.

The Police Benevolent Association responded to the attacks and said criminals are emboldened because they do not believe they will be held accountable and added that the criminal justice system needs to be strengthened.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

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