NYPD searching for gang member who confronts officers, tries to grab firearms

By Thomas Tracy
New York Daily News

NEW YORK — A not-so-funny gang banger-turned-comedian is being sought for trying to grab officers’ firearms while harassing cops on foot posts throughout the city, the Daily News has learned.

Richard Sharp, 24, has recorded himself trying to pull guns from NYPD officer’s holsters on at least three occasions at different locations, police sources said.

In one incident, he harassed anti-Asian statements at a cop trying to bat his hand away, according to sources.

“Get back Bruce Lee lookin man,” he screamed, according to a video posted on the Asian Dawn Twitter feed. “Stop pushing me before I smack your g--- a—!”

Sharp is originally from Chicago and is a member of the Black Disciple gang, according to an intelligence alert acquired by The News that was shared with rank-and-file officers this week.

“(He) is an aspiring comedian/drill rapper that is antagonizing (cops) by attempting to touch their firearms, threatening (cops) and provoking (cops) into physical confrontations,” the alert noted. “All (cops) should utilize proper tactics and caution when interacting with the above subject.”

Police said that Sharp has 12 prior arrests and “has a history of assault on law enforcement.”

So far, no officers have been harmed by Sharp. It’s not immediately clear how long he’s been in the city and harassing cops.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

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