Identity of Police Officer Still Unknown
A Dobbs Ferry man was indicted by a Westchester County Grand Jury for the attempted murder of a police officer after stabbing the officer in the head with a knife, Westchester District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced. Matthew Burke stabbed the uniformed police officer in his head as he was directing traffic at a construction site in the area of 200 Beacon Hill Drive during an unprovoked incident on May 20, 2021. The defendant was apprehended within a few minutes by members of the Dobbs Ferry Police Department with assistance of utility and construction workers who witnessed the violent attack.
Burke was indicted on the following counts:
· Attempted Murder in the First Degree
· Attempted Murder in the Second Degree
· Aggravated Assault Upon a Police Officer
· Assault in the First Degree (two counts)
· Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree
“This aggressive attack of a police officer is shocking and shows the danger these public servants face in the line of duty,” DA Rocah said. “We are committed to ensuring justice for this officer and holding the attacker accountable for his actions.”
Prior to the indictment, Burke was examined to see if he had the mental capacity to be charged with the crimes now filed against him. The identity of the police officer remains a mystery, and many residents in Greenburgh and the surrrounding communities wish to offer him and his family support and best wishes. After being slashed, the officer told a Con Edison worker, “if I bleed out, make sure my wife and kids know that I love them,’”
The 44-year-old sergeant has been with the department since 2008 and was promoted to sergeant in March. There has also been no motive, or reason for the attack, provided to the public.
