The Yonkers Police Department has announced the indictment of Detective Sergeant Hector Cartagena following an internal and external investigation into his conduct during a suspect apprehension in March 2024. The incident began on March 14, when officers pursued a stolen vehicle through city streets. The suspect reportedly caused several collisions with police vehicles, injured officers, and endangered public safety before the pursuit ended in a crash at Warburton Avenue and Glenwood Avenue.
According to the department, force was used to place the suspect into custody. As per standard procedure, an immediate investigation was launched by the Internal Affairs Division at the scene. Preliminary findings indicated that Detective Sergeant Cartagena used force inconsistent with departmental training and values. The review found that he acted alone and other officers followed protocol.
Within twenty-four hours of the incident, the Yonkers Police Department reported it to both the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice. The Public Integrity Bureau of the District Attorney’s Office investigated and upheld initial findings, recommending criminal charges.
Detective Sergeant Cartagena appeared in Westchester County Court earlier today for arraignment on charges including Assault in the second degree, Attempted Assault in the second degree, and Assault in the third degree. He has been suspended without pay from his position in the Crime Scene Unit after serving twenty-four years with the department.
“After a review of this incident, I am outraged by the actions of this particular supervisor. His actions serve to negate the great work exhibited by the other officers involved to safely apprehend the suspect at the scene,” said Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza. “His actions further harm our relationship with the community, which we have worked so hard to build. Our immediate Internal Investigation and swift referral to an outside agency for investigation show that such behavior will not be tolerated by this department. We appreciate the objective and thorough review of the incident completed by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and we will continue to cooperate with them as appropriate. Our mission and commitment to our community remains steadfast-we are here to serve you with integrity and respect.”
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano commented: “The actions of this police supervisor are indefensible. It’s the very definition of disrespect for the badge and we condemn it. This unfortunate incident should not be a reflection of the men and women who serve and protect this City with integrity every day. That’s why we initiated this investigation and alerted the proper authorities, ensuring our role in constitutional policing. We have made substantial changes to our policies and procedures when it comes to excessive force and we will continue to review our internal policies and procedures to prevent this from happening again. This type of behavior will never be tolerated.”
The case is being prosecuted by Westchester County District Attorney’s office; additional information may be released as it becomes available.
Yonkers is home to more than 200,000 residents across diverse neighborhoods within Westchester County (official website). The city provides municipal services through various departments including public works, engineering services for infrastructure maintenance, as well as cultural attractions (official website). Mayor Mike Spano has served as Yonkers’ 42nd mayor with a focus on family support initiatives (official website).
