25-year-old Sahara Dula was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty in June to second-degree assault for purposely striking an NYPD officer with her car.
A New York woman who intentionally tried to run down a police officer after screaming “F*** these cops” has been sentenced to only two years in prison, a punishment a police union condemned as “not nearly enough.”
25-year-old Sahara Dula was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty in June to second-degree assault for purposely striking an NYPD officer with her car while high and driving into oncoming traffic in January 2024.
Dula was driving the wrong way at around 4:30 pm when she encountered officers investigating a nearby robbery and blocking part of the road. When one officer approached her vehicle to redirect her, Dula accelerated and hit him head-on, launching him onto the hood of her car before he landed on the pavement. The officer suffered a fractured leg.
Dula was arrested at the scene, where she proceeded to go on a rant against law enforcement, saying she intentionally targeted the office. “F*** these cops. He wouldn’t move,” she said.
Police also found marijuana in a canister inside her cup holder.
According to the New York Post, Dula was initially charged with attempted assault, attempted aggravated assault on a police officer, assault, operating a vehicle while impaired, and reckless driving. She faced a maximum of seven years in prison. As part of a plea deal, she received a reduced two-year sentence followed by three years of probation. Her attorney told the court that Dula suffers from bipolar disorder and is receiving treatment.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry criticized the sentencing, calling it insufficient.
“The sentence is not nearly enough. This individual tried to run down a New York City police officer. She could have killed him,” Hendry said.
“We’re glad she is going behind bars instead of walking free, but our justice system needs to send a message that there will be zero leniency for attacks on police officers,” he added.
The case comes as tensions between NYPD officers and city leadership continue to grow, with many officers expressing frustration over an increasingly hostile environment toward law enforcement. Concerns have intensified ahead of next week’s mayoral race, where socialist Zohran Mamdani, who is known for his anti-police rhetoric, has drawn criticism from within the NYPD ranks. Some officers have said they would resign if he were elected.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
