Gang Member Stabs Police Officer

Edson Godinez, 17, of Ann St. in Newburgh, New York was arrested and faces 3 felony charges: Two counts of second-degree assault and a single count of attempted aggravated assault on a police officer. He also faces misdemeanor charges of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and resisting arrest. He is being held in the Orange County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.

It all began about 1:45 a.m. on Mill Street when police officer Richard Hammer saw a gang of at least twelve Hispanic males chasing another unidentified 23-year-old Hispanic male. They caught up with the fleeing man and began a vicious assault. That was when officer Hammer attempted to intervene. While trying to arrest the two ringleaders who led the attack, he was also assaulted by 5 or 6 others in the gang. During the altercation Hammer was stabbed by one of the two men he was trying to arrest. The other one and the rest of the gang escaped.

The unidentified 23-year-old being chased, sustained multiple stab wounds during the attack and was flown to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. Officer Richard Hammer was treated at St. Luke's Hospital in Newburgh and released. He is recovering at home.

The fight was believed to have stemmed from a dispute between two street gangs in Newburgh, the Barrio Benkard Kings (BBKs) and La Eme. The investigation is continuing, and police expect to make additional arrests.