Man Walks Up and Smashes Bottle Over Head of NYPD Officer
The suspect has reportedly been diagnosed with mental illness and has a long record of bizarre and criminal behavior.
A man with a long rap sheet who was recorded on video whacking an NYPD officer in the head with a bottle Monday told other officers that “God told him to do this,” law enforcement sources told the New York Post.
Jose Garcia, 45, was filmed walking up behind the uniformed female officer as she stood on a busy sidewalk in Kingsbridge Monday afternoon. The video shows him hitting her in the back of the head.
The recording, posted to the NYC Scoop Twitter feed, then shows the officer and a civilian subduing the suspect who was arrested.
Garcia, of Kingsbridge Heights, was arrested and charged with assault, obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest, menacing, criminal possession of a weapon, and harassment, police said.
The injured officer – who was conducting smoke shop inspections with the New York City Sheriff’s Department when she was attacked – was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, where she was treated and is listed in stable condition.
Garcia has reportedly been diagnosed with mental illness and has a long record of bizarre and criminal behavior.
In 2014, he allegedly threatened to shoot employees at an unnamed business after he stopped taking his meds for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Then he fought the responding officers, yelling that he was on PCP and going to kill them.
He has also been arrested at least five times before for crimes such as robbery, grand larceny and weapons possession, sources told the Post.
More Patrol

Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →
PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance
Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.
Read More →
Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.
Read More →
What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?
What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.
Read More →