District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg announced the indictment of Edwin Rivera. According to a statement from the Manhattan DA's Office, Rivera, aged 34, is accused of firing at NYPD officers during a search warrant operation, injuring a detective in the process. The indictment charges him with two counts each of first- and second-degree attempted murder, among other serious offenses.
“We have absolutely no tolerance for any conduct that harms police officers, and the charges in this indictment reflect the seriousness with which we are treating this incident,” Bragg said in the statement. The bravery of the officers on scene was commended by the DA, expressing hope for the injured detective's ongoing recovery. NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch mirrored the sentiment, stating, “This indictment serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that NYPD police officers face every day while working to keep New York City safe. As their noble work continues, we remain committed to closely collaborating with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to ensure that those who endanger the security of New Yorkers are held fully accountable,” as noted by the Manhattan DA's Office press release.
Chilling details from the incident on February 18 reveal a tense stand-off early in the morning. Authorities claim Rivera fired several shots as officers breached his Lower East Side apartment at around 5:04 a.m., thankfully missing the police personnel. Rivera allegedly disposed of a bag of drugs out his window.
After three hours of negotiation with no resolution, officers re-entered Rivera's apartment at approximately 8:18 a.m. At this time, Rivera is said to have opened fire again, wounding a detective. A defense shot from another officer not only managed to injure Rivera but subsequently led to his arrest. The wounded detective was treated at Bellevue Hospital and was able to go home the same day, as reported by the same press release.
The prosecution team, led by Assistant D.A.s Alfred Peterson, Elizabeth Murphy, and Valeriia Golubchik, and overseen by Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo, is handling the case. Trial Preparation Assistant George Cole is also assisting.
