In a shocking incident in the Bronx, Chowdhury Nafees, a 27-year-old officer with the New York City Police Department, was brutally assaulted by two men, Wayne Lucas and Taveon Hargrove, who intensified their attack upon discovering he was a police officer. Nafees, who was in uniform and off-duty on his way home, was forced to the ground and severely beaten, resulting in multiple facial fractures and other serious injuries. During the assault, his attackers held a knife to his throat and stole his wallet, iPhone, and gun. Nafees was later found unconscious, suffering from traumatic injuries, and rushed to the hospital.
Upon receiving the distressing news from Nafees’ partner, his family rushed to the hospital only to find him in a critically injured state. His brother, Chowdhury Navid, described the horrific injuries he witnessed, including severe mutilation of Nafees’ face. The emotional toll was evident, particularly on their father, who broke down for the first time in Navid’s life upon seeing his son in such a condition. Navid shared that the situation escalated dramatically when the attackers realized Nafees was a police officer, revealing an alarming trend of violence against law enforcement officials.
Retired NYPD Detective Robert Garland, who has taken on a role in advocating for Nafees’ recovery, emphasized the need for serious repercussions for such attacks, arguing that this incident should be treated as attempted murder. He highlighted a troubling aspect of law enforcement: the fear officers face when considering whether to defend themselves. Garland expressed that the existing use-of-force protocols can create an environment where officers hesitate to act in life-threatening situations due to fears of job security and public scrutiny.
This fear extends beyond current officers to potential recruits who may reconsider their career choices in light of such violent incidents against police. Garland pointed out that the camaraderie and support systems within police departments must be strengthened to encourage individuals to take on the challenges of law enforcement. He argued that maintaining a strong “thin blue line” is essential for the future of policing, advocating that unions and fellow officers must unite to support one another.
Despite the trauma he experienced, Nafees was released from the hospital after several days and is now on a long road to recovery, which his family is thankful for. They expressed deep gratitude toward the NYPD and medical staff who played crucial roles in his recovery. Nafees, an educated engineer, chose to pursue a career in law enforcement out of a sense of duty and community service, believing that there is a critical need for dedicated individuals on the streets.
Fundraising efforts were initiated by Garland to support Nafees and his family, demonstrating community solidarity. Over $20,000 has been raised through “Fund the First,” highlighting the public’s willingness to contribute to the well-being of an injured officer who chose to serve his community despite the risks involved. The incident has opened a wider dialogue about the treatment of officers in the line of duty and the need for stronger protective measures against those who would seek to harm them.
