The recent arrest of Taveon Hargrove in Virginia has shed light on the brutal attack on an off-duty NYPD cop in The Bronx. Hargrove, a 23-year-old with a lengthy criminal record, was apprehended by the US Marshals’ Regional Fugitive Task Force for his involvement in the violent assault on the 27-year-old officer in Westchester Square.
The suspect, who was considered armed and dangerous, fled to Virginia with his mother after authorities released a wanted poster for his arrest. They were hiding out in a friend’s home when police tracked them down. Hargrove attempted to evade capture by hiding in the garage, where he was found sleeping on a mattress on the floor. Despite his resistance, he was eventually taken into custody, sustaining injuries in the process.
Hargrove’s criminal history includes 13 prior arrests, including a recent weapons-possession charge in the Bronx. Surveillance footage of the attack on the off-duty cop shows two masked men assaulting him on the sidewalk, with one holding a blade to his neck while the other stole his service weapon, a Glock 19 .9mm handgun.
While Hargrove has been apprehended, his violent accomplice remains at large. However, his father was arrested for using the cop’s stolen credit card at various Bronx bodegas. The injured officer, who suffered multiple facial fractures, is undergoing surgery for his injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the department’s commitment to apprehending those responsible for assaulting law enforcement officers. She visited the injured officer and expressed hope for his recovery, while also issuing a stern warning to anyone considering similar acts of violence.
The swift arrest of Hargrove is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement in ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes. The NYPD continues to pursue leads in the case to bring all perpetrators to justice and uphold the safety and security of the community.
