BRONX WOMAN IS CONVICTED FOR ASSUALTING A POLICE OFFICER

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a 21 year-old Bronx woman has been convicted of assault and other related charges.

A Bronx jury found Songhai Woodard, of 2800 Jerome Avenue, guilty of 1 count each of Assault in the 2nd degree, Resisting Arrest and Obstructing Government Administration in the 2nd degree, for biting and fracturing the left ring finger of Police Officer Matthew Sauer of the 47 Precinct. Woodard faces a maximum term of up to 7 years imprisonment when she appears before State Supreme court Justice Dominic R. Massaro for sentencing on Thursday, September 25, 2003 in Part T14.

The incident occurred on September 30, 2002 when Police Officers Sauer and Derek Barbier of the 47th Precinct witnessed the defendant and a young man later identified as her brother, exiting Evander Childs High School, located at 800 East Gun Hill Road. The Officers, assigned to truancy squad, stopped the pair and asked for identification. Woodard argued with Officer Sauer and an altercation ensued.

During the altercation, Woodard bit the left thumb of Officer Sauer. Officer Sauer pulled his hand away from the defendant’s mouth and attempted to arrest her. Woodard then bit Officer Sauer’s left ring finger causing it to fracture. Officer Sauer underwent hand surgery to place permanent screws into the finger, leaving him with limited mobility.

Assistant District Attorney Karen Charrington of the Trial Bureau is prosecuting this case.