A veteran Yonkers cop, Detective Sgt. Hector Cartagena, was indicted on assault charges for allegedly slugging and kicking a suspect in custody after a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle on March 14. Westchester County prosecutors announced the charges, stating that Cartagena had punched and kicked the suspect 10 times, leading to a fractured orbital bone. The Yonkers Police Department identified Cartagena’s actions as outside of their training policies and referred the case to the district attorney’s office for investigation. A grand jury returned an indictment charging Cartagena with offenses related to his alleged use of excessive force.
The suspect involved in the incident faced charges of grand larceny, assault, and reckless endangerment for leading police on a high-speed chase and crashing the stolen vehicle. Cartagena, who was placed on modified duty following the incident, was indicted on charges of assault and attempted assault. The Yonkers Police Captains, Lieutenants and Sergeants Association issued a statement in support of Cartagena, emphasizing that he is innocent until proven guilty. The union acknowledged the dangerous nature of the pursuit, stating that Cartagena was attempting to subdue a violent felon who was resisting arrest.
The pursuit started with the theft of a civilian vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase throughout the city of Yonkers. The actions of the perpetrator endangered the lives of numerous citizens in the area, prompting law enforcement to take action in bringing the suspect into custody. Cartagena was performing his official duties during the incident, as he attempted to subdue the suspect who was resisting arrest. The Yonkers Police Captains, Lieutenants and Sergeants Association defended Cartagena’s actions as necessary in dealing with a violent offender who refused to be taken into custody.
Cartagena was arraigned before State Supreme Court Justice James McCarthy and is expected to return to court on July 31 for further proceedings. The district attorney’s office emphasized the importance of holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions and ensuring they uphold the law. The indictment against Cartagena highlights the consequences of using excessive force in the line of duty, as it can result in criminal charges being filed. The case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with being a police officer and the need to act within the boundaries of the law when dealing with suspects in custody.
The support shown by the Yonkers Police Captains, Lieutenants and Sergeants Association for Cartagena underscores the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence in legal proceedings. Despite the serious nature of the charges, Cartagena is entitled to a fair trial and the opportunity to present his case in court. The union’s statement reflects the loyalty and solidarity often seen within law enforcement agencies when one of their own is facing legal challenges. As this case moves forward in the justice system, it will continue to raise questions about the appropriate use of force by police officers and the accountability necessary to maintain public trust in law enforcement.
Overall, the indictment of Detective Sgt. Hector Cartagena on assault charges for his alleged use of excessive force against a suspect in custody highlights the complexities of policing and the importance of upholding the law. The case serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and oversight within law enforcement agencies to ensure officers act within the boundaries of the law. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of the case will have implications for how incidents of alleged police misconduct are addressed and how law enforcement officers are held responsible for their actions.
