Watch the bodycam video here: https://www.facebook.com/YonkersPD/videos/406438122398844
The Yonkers Police Department released the following statement, and provided a bodycam video of an arrest that resulted in the suspension and arrest of YPD Sgt. Hector Cartagena. This information came hours after Westchester DA Mimi Rocah announced that Cartagena was indicted for assault.
The YPD writes, “In March 2024, in line with the goals of transparency and commitment to the community, the Yonkers Police Department proactively informed the Westchester District Attorney’s Office and the public of the actions taken by a member of the Department during the apprehension of a suspect after a dangerous vehicle pursuit that raised concerns and sparked an internal investigation. On March 14, 2024, just after 9:45 PM, Yonkers Police Department officers pursued a suspect in a stolen vehicle through City streets while the suspect caused several collisions with police vehicles, injured several officers, drove recklessly, and endangered the public. These officers followed procedure and protocol to keep the community safe while attempting to apprehend him. The pursuit ended with a crash at the intersection of Warburton Avenue and Glenwood Avenue.
Upon apprehending this suspect, force was used to place the suspect into custody. As is Yonkers Police procedure with all uses of force, an investigation into the use of force was promptly initiated at the scene. The Yonkers Police Internal Affairs Division immediately responded and reviewed the actions taken by the Officers.
In this preliminary investigation, it was determined that one member of the department, Detective Sergeant Hector Cartagena, utilized force in a manner not consistent with training, procedures, or Department values. It was evident from this preliminary review that this member acted alone in these actions and all other Officers on the scene followed policy and procedure.
The Yonkers Police Department proactively presented this incident to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office within twenty-four hours and promptly informed the Department of Justice. As such, this incident was investigated by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau. The Yonkers Police Department cooperated fully with all aspects of this investigation which upheld our initial findings and resulted in the recommendation of criminal charges.
Earlier today, Detective Sergeant Hector Cartagena appeared in Westchester County Court where he was arraigned on charges of Assault in the second degree, Attempted Assault in the second degree, and Assault in the third degree as a result of his actions.
As a result of this incident, Detective Sergeant Hector Cartagena has been suspended without pay. He has been a member of the Yonkers Police Department for twenty-four years and was assigned to the Crime Scene Unit.
“After a review of this incident, I am outraged by the actions of this particular supervisor. His actions serve to negate the great work exhibited by the other officers involved to safely apprehend the suspect at the scene,” said Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza. “His actions further harm our relationship with the community, which we have worked so hard to build. Our immediate Internal Investigation and swift referral to an outside agency for investigation show that such behavior will not be tolerated by this department. We appreciate the objective and thorough review of the incident completed by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and we will continue to cooperate with them as appropriate. Our mission and commitment to our community remains steadfast-we are here to serve you with integrity and respect.”
“The actions of this police supervisor are indefensible. It’s the very definition of disrespect for the badge and we condemn it,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “This unfortunate incident should not be a reflection of the men and women who serve and protect this City with integrity every day. That’s why we initiated this investigation and alerted the proper authorities, ensuring our role in constitutional policing. We have made substantial changes to our policies and procedures when it comes to excessive force and we will continue to review our internal policies and procedures to prevent this from happening again. This type of behavior will never be tolerated.”
