Three teenagers accused of assaulting a retired NYPD lieutenant in Manhattan were turned in to authorities by their parents after police released surveillance photos of the suspects, the New York Police Department confirmed.
The teens — two 13-year-olds and a 14-year-old — were brought to the 19th Precinct station house on Friday by their families.
A police source said the decision to surrender the teens came after their parents recognized them in images distributed by law enforcement.
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“I guess they were embarrassed,” the source said.
All three teens have been charged with second-degree gang assault and second-degree assault.
The incident took place around 8 p.m. on Tuesday near Park Avenue and East 84th Street.
According to law enforcement sources, the 65-year-old retired officer intervened when he saw the teens harassing a taxi driver.
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In an effort to defend the cabbie, he confronted the group and urged them to stop.
“They were looking for trouble harassing everyone they saw,” the victim said, speaking anonymously.
“When they started to bother the cab driver, I went over and told them to leave him alone. That’s when one coward hit me from behind with a backpack.”
After being struck with the backpack, the retired lieutenant was punched in the face, causing him to fall to the ground.
He sustained minor injuries to his face and knee but declined medical attention at the scene, according to police.
Authorities quickly began investigating the assault, collecting surveillance footage from the surrounding area.
Images of the suspects were released publicly, prompting the parents of the teenagers to recognize them and turn them over to law enforcement.
The NYPD continues to emphasize community involvement in helping solve crimes, noting that public assistance often plays a critical role in identifying suspects and bringing incidents like this to a resolution.
The assault highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence in New York City, where attacks involving minors have drawn increased attention in recent months.
City leaders have repeatedly faced pressure to address rising crime rates, particularly incidents involving groups of teens committing assaults in public areas.
The retired officer, who spent decades protecting New Yorkers before retiring, expressed disappointment at the behavior he witnessed but did not express bitterness. “It’s a shame,” he said.
“These kids are out looking for trouble when they should be doing something better with their time.”
All three suspects are expected to face charges in juvenile court.
Authorities have not released the names of the teenagers due to their ages.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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