An NYPD detective who was stabbed and slashed seven times by two alleged Bronx attackers last week told The Post he is recovering after being released from the hospital Monday evening.
“I’m feeling much better, thank you,” Det. Jose Mercedes said by phone when reached by The Post Saturday.
The off-duty detective, a 10-year NYPD veteran, was ambushed in broad daylight on Oct. 2 while cleaning out the trunk of his car in Norwood. Officials and sources said two men riding an e-bike tried to steal the gold chain from his neck.
Mercedes, 33, who is assigned to the 44th Precinct, fought back and attempted to defend himself against the attackers.
The assailants allegedly stabbed the detective at least seven times in the neck and leg before tearing off his chain and fleeing on a motorized bike, according to police and sources.
Terrifying footage obtained by The Post showed the blood-covered officer being placed on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance following the violent attack.
Mercedes was taken to Jacobi Medical Center, where he remained for several days before being released.
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The injured officer smiled as fellow members of the NYPD gathered outside the Morris Park hospital Monday evening to celebrate his discharge. Dozens of officers saluted and applauded while bagpipes played.
Beaming from his wheelchair, Mercedes stood and gave a thumbs-up to the crowd of officers who came to support him.
Police identified the alleged attackers Tuesday after surveillance footage captured them speeding away from the scene.
The alleged stabber was identified as 25-year-old D’Angelo Caraballo. Sneider Mejia, 24, was identified as the suspect accused of driving the bike.
Both men, whom federal authorities identified as migrants in the country illegally from the Dominican Republic, were found hiding in the basement of a home in Lynn, Massachusetts. The US Marshals Service arrested them, the NYPD said Wednesday.
The suspects will be returned to New York City to face attempted murder charges, according to the NYPD.
During a joint appearance in Lynn District Court Wednesday, the alleged attackers were ordered held without bail.
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