Judge Releases Men Accused of Attacking NYPD Officer Over Being Told to Stop Smoking

A Bronx judge has released the two men accused of attacking an officer who told them to stop smoking.”

Kaream McClary, 23, and Izayiah Jessamy, 20, were arraigned Tuesday on assault charges for allegedly beating up Officer John Hernandez after he and his partner asked the suspects to put out their cigarettes at the Freeman Street subway station, according to court documents and the NYPD. 

At their hearing in Bronx Criminal Court, prosecutors requested bail set at $10,000 or $30,000 bond, the New York Post reports.

But Judge Eugene Bowen released them without bail, according to court records.

Patrick Hendry, the president of the Police Benevolent Association union, tore into the decision. “Our streets and subways won’t be safe if the cops protecting them aren’t safe,” he said.