A pair of migrants with criminal records assaulted an NYPD officer who tried to stop them and their group from shoplifting at a Target store on the Upper East Side, according to police and sources.
Yusneiby Machado, 23, and Brayan Freites, 21, were part of a group of six migrants who allegedly stole $82 worth of items from the store on Third Avenue near East 70th Street on April 2. The stolen items included a gaming light, a backpack, tools, Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes, Doritos, strawberries, and bottled water.
When officers from the NYPD’s 19th Precinct intervened, Machado and Freites resisted arrest by wrestling, shoving, slapping, and pushing the officers. One officer sustained injuries to his left arm during the altercation.
Another suspect attempted to throw rocks at the officers but was unsuccessful. Machado and Freites were charged with various offenses including robbery, assault, resisting arrest, and criminal possession of stolen property.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, Machado was released without bail under supervised release, while Freites was ordered to post bail. Sebastian Jaramillio, Michael Sanchez, and Henry Zambrano, who were also involved in the robbery, were charged and released without bail.
Deputy Inspector Neil Zuber of the NYPD’s 19th Precinct emphasized the dedication of the officers in making arrests and ensuring public safety during a community council meeting following the incident.
