VIDEO: “I did it to eat”: Dominican man accused of stabbing NYPD detective speaks out

A Dominican man accused of repeatedly stabbing fellow Dominican José Mercedes, an off-duty New York Police Department detective, during an alleged robbery in the Bronx told reporters, “I did it to eat,” as he was being escorted from a police station to court.

D’Angelo Rafael Jean Caraballo, 25, also shouted in Spanish, “Mom, I’m okay,” before getting into a police vehicle. He was arrested alongside fellow Dominican national Sneider Mejía, 24, in Lynn, Massachusetts, on October 6.

According to officials, NYPD detectives assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service’s Regional Fugitive Task Force carried out the arrests with assistance from Boston authorities. The suspects were reportedly found hiding in a basement and are awaiting an appearance in Bronx Criminal Court.

Details of the alleged attack

Authorities said Caraballo and Mejía were riding an electric bicycle when they allegedly ambushed Mercedes on the afternoon of October 2. The detective was standing near the trunk of his Mustang on East 208th Street, near Steuben Avenue, in the Norwood section of the Bronx.

During the alleged attempt to steal his gold chain, the suspects stabbed Mercedes seven times as he tried to defend himself. The detective pursued them for about two blocks before collapsing. The suspects fled without taking anything, according to the Daily News.

Federal officials criticize New York’s sanctuary policies

Federal authorities said both suspects entered the United States unlawfully and had prior criminal records. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticized New York’s sanctuary policies, claiming that previous arrests and the release of the suspects could have been prevented through greater cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Federal officials also said a judge ordered Mejía deported in May 2025 and that he was arrested in October on a weapons possession charge. They alleged that the NYPD did not notify immigration authorities about that arrest, attributing the situation to New York’s sanctuary policies. These claims were presented by federal officials.