A shocking incident unfolded in Queens this week when a driver lost his cool after receiving a parking ticket. The 56-year-old NYPD traffic enforcement agent was carrying out his duties on 63rd Drive near Queens Boulevard when he encountered Mark Garrido, 29, who was upset about his white SUV being ticketed.
According to authorities, Garrido engaged in a heated argument with the agent before physically assaulting him by hitting his hand and stealing his summons machine in a fit of rage. The surveillance image of Garrido, captured wearing a black baseball cap, sweatshirt, and sweatpants, shows him fleeing the scene in his SUV after the altercation.
Fortunately, the agent did not sustain any injuries during the incident. Garrido, who resides in Ozone Park just four miles away from the scene, was apprehended by authorities late Friday morning. He now faces charges of third-degree robbery and second-degree assault in connection with the altercation.
Garrido’s arraignment in Queens Criminal Court is currently pending as the legal process unfolds. This brazen act of aggression highlights the importance of respecting law enforcement officers and handling disputes in a peaceful and lawful manner. Such behavior not only endangers the safety of individuals but also undermines the authority of those tasked with upholding the law.