Suspect apprehended ‘in the handcuffs of the officer he assaulted,’ NYPD says

U.S. marshals and NYPD detectives apprehended a man accused of beating and robbing an off-duty NYPD officer in the Bronx early Saturday morning, police said. A second suspect remains at large.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the apprehension of 23-year-old Taveon Hargrove on social media Tuesday, writing that he was taken into custody in Virginia.

“I am pleased to report that Taveon Hargrove is now in the handcuffs of the officer he assaulted,” she wrote, referencing a law enforcement tradition of using the handcuffs of fallen or injured officers.

“One under, one to go,” she added.

Police said the 27-year-old officer was walking home around 4 a.m. Saturday on St. Peters Avenue when two men attacked him, punching him repeatedly and threatening him with a knife. Surveillance video published by several outlets appears to show the suspects striking the officer and stomping on his face.

The attackers took the officer’s pistol, wallet and iPhone before fleeing, according to the NYPD. The officer was hospitalized with multiple facial fractures and had surgery scheduled for Tuesday.

A day after the attack, police arrested Hargrove’s father, 55-year-old Jeffery Hargrove, for allegedly using the officer’s credit card to make purchases.

Officials said charges against Taveon Hargrove are expected after he is extradited to New York. Authorities have not released the officer’s name.

In a statement, the Police Benevolent Association praised the investigators.

“Even when his criminal partner is caught, we must still stand together to make sure the justice system does its job,” spokesperson John Nuthall said.