Details of the incident, in which the man received a blow to the head that could result in the loss of an eye, only emerged into public view last week at a press conference given by Yonkers police chief, Edmund Hartnett.
In the aftermath of the press conference, two NYPD officers, attached to the 44th Precinct according to reports, have been questioned by Yonkers police and face potential felony assault charges.
McLean Avenue borders the Bronx and the many Irish bars and restaurants along its length are popular venues for off duty officers from the city force.
According to reports, New York City officers from the nearby 47th Precinct arrived at the scene of the incident, arrested and subsequently released one suspect.
The Daily News, citing sources, reported Tuesday that the responding officers are under an NYPD internal affairs investigation for allegedly letting the off-duty officer go once he identified himself as a fellow cop.
The responding cops – a sergeant and six officers – have been placed on modified duty and their weapons taken pending the internal investigation.
According to Commissioner Hartnett – who was one of the NYPD’s top officers before being appointed commissioner of the Yonkers force – the injured man was beaten to the point that he could lose an eye.
Both Yonkers police and the NYPD have been investigating the incident that occurred in the early hours on a stretch of McLean close to the popular Rockin Robins pub.
Hartnett said at the press conference that New York City police responded to the report of an assault and called Yonkers police to tell them that a man was on the ground. When Yonkers police arrived, they found the victim lying on the street.
Hartnett confirmed at his press conference that there were allegations that the NYPD responders detained one of its own off duty officers and released him before Yonkers police arrived at the scene.
Anyone with information about the incident can call (914)377-7724 or
(914)377-7725. The identity of callers will be kept confidential.