A female NYPD officer was viciously punched in the face by Ernst Delma, a 41-year-old repeat offender on probation while attempting to break up an argument between him and a group of kids in the Bronx.
According to the New York Post, the attack left the officer bloodied and knocked to the ground, prompting her partner to tackle Delma in a wild caught-on-camera arrest.
The injured officer was taken to a hospital with a cut to her lip, while Delma, who has a history of assault and burglary arrests, was charged with assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration.
Following his arrest, Delma was seen with a swollen and stitched-up eye, a clear indicator of the fray's intensity. Delma’s behavior in the incident has been attributed to his intoxicated state, a claim he made during his arrest.
However, his record is not one of innocence, having been involved in multiple assaults in the past, including a direct attack on another police officer in 2012.
Officers at the 43rd precinct who handled the arrest are no strangers to dealing with repeat offenders like Delma, whose criminal activities date back several years, including a random assault on a woman in Midtown, reported in July 2022.
Patrick Hendry, the president of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), was vocal in his disdain for the attack.
He emphasized the continual risks police officers face and criticized what he views as a lenient justice system towards criminals.
Hendry expressed relief that the officer involved was recovering but stressed that the situation underscored systemic issues in the judicial handling of repeat offenders. To Hendry, supporting law enforcement means ensuring offenders face appropriate consequences.
Ernst Delma's confusion and regret were evident in his statement after the arrest:
I didn’t mean to punch her. It was a self-defense thing. I’m really sorry for doing it. I didn’t know I did it, I was intoxicated. I got assaulted by a couple of officers in my face. But nothing too much. Nothing too bad.
Both the injured officer and Delma were treated for their injuries; the officer was reported to be in stable condition following the incident. The medical evaluations will play a critical role in the ensuing legal proceedings against Delma.
As the case progresses, the local community and law enforcement agencies will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that preserves justice and prevents future violence. The incident acts as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of police work, especially when dealing with individuals known for their criminal histories.
With Delma now facing multiple charges and possibly returning to prison if convicted, the focus is again on how such individuals are rehabilitated and monitored when released into society. Officer safety and community security remain at the forefront of this ongoing debate.
