Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in Brutal Attack on Off-Duty NYPD Officer in Bronx

Suspect Apprehended and Charged

• 23-year-old Wayne Lucas has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted murder of a police officer.
• Lucas was the second person taken into custody, apprehended in Virginia after the assault.
• He was reportedly wearing a wig in an attempt to disguise himself when arrested.

Brutal Attack on Officer Nafees

• Officer Chowdhury Nafees, 27, was attacked on May 24th while walking home from work in uniform.
• Prosecutors state the attackers punched him, held a knife to his throat, and stole his gun, wallet, and phone.
• The officer's head was stomped on so forcefully that a bootprint was left on his face.
• Officer Nafees sustained life-altering injuries, including blurry vision, and underwent multiple surgeries.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

• The Bronx District Attorney described the attack as "egregious and brutal," noting the attackers escalated violence upon learning he was an officer.
• Lucas is being remanded without bail.
• If convicted of attempted murder, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life.
• The next court date is scheduled for September 12th.