'Open war on cops': Illegal immigrants who bit NYPD officers set free without bail

On Sunday, two illegal immigrants were arrested in New York City following a physical dispute with police during which one allegedly bit an officer and the other attacked them with his moped. Instead of being held in custody after being charged with assault and assault on a police officer, 24-year-old Brian Joseph and 19-year-old Jose Gonzelez were released by prosecutors without bail.

The decision drew the ire of many within the New York Police Department, with one officer suggesting those who should be ensuring that criminals stay off the streets had just given the green light for an "open war on cops." A number of officers have been injured in the line of duty as of late, many by illegal immigrants.
 

"What kind of message is this sending to the public?" a second cop told the New York Post. "They are basically saying anyone in a blue uniform is a human piñata."

The officer predicted that criminals' bad conduct would only escalate. "Today they bite and kick a cop and tomorrow they take a shot at cops," they said. "If there are no consequences they are only encouraging people to attack cops."

In a statement to the outlet, New York State Office of Court Administration spokesperson Al Baker refused to comment on Joseph and Gonzalez being set free, though he did note that, "in cases like these in New York, Judges have discretion in making bail decisions in accordance with the law and based solely on an individualized assessment of a defendant's risk of flight."

The incident took place shortly before 10 pm outside the Row Hotel on 8th Avenue and 45th Street near Times Square. One of the cops asked Gonzalez, who was riding his moped erratically, for his ID, and when the illegal immigrant was unable to provide any, a scuffle ensued. 

A third suspect is still being sought, who allegedly assaulted the cops before fleeing the scene. Joseph and Gonzalez have been ordered to appear in court again in September.