Suspects captured on video attacking NYPD officer over cigarette use freed without bail the next day

“Our streets and subways won’t be safe if the cops protecting them aren’t safe,” said Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association union

November 16, 2023 03:20 PM

Video: NYPD officer attacked after asking group to put out cigarettes — McClary and Jessamy were charged with assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and trespassing. A third man is still at large.

By Joanna Putman
Police1

NEW YORK — Two suspects who were captured on bystander video beating an officer after he told them to put out their cigarettes were released without bail the next day, The Messenger reported.

Kaream McClary, 23, and Izayiah Jessamy, 20, appeared in court Nov. 14 to be arraigned on assault charges for the attack, according to the report. While prosecutors argued they should be held on either a $10,000 or $30,000 bond, Judge Eugene Bowen released them without bail.

“This shows the absolutely upside down world we’re living in,” Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association union told the New York Post. “We need New Yorkers to start speaking up and demanding real consequences for those who assault cops. Our streets and subways won’t be safe if the cops protecting them aren’t safe.”

The Nov. 13 attack came two days after two other men with knives attacked an NYPD officer in a subway train, according to the report.