GRAND JURY INDICTS TWO BRONX MEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE BEATING OF AN OFF DUTY POLICE OFFICER

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a grand jury has initially charged two men in connection with an attack against off duty Police Officer Eric Hernandez at a fast food restaurant on Saturday, January 28, 2006.

The grand jury has indicted Edwin Rivera, 25, and Nelson Rodriguez, 25, on one count of Attempted Gang Assault in the 1st degree, a Class C felony offense punishable by a maximum sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment.

It is alleged that Rivera and Rodriguez were part of a group of six people who kicked and punched Hernandez at the fast food restaurant at 1831 Webster Avenue causing serious physical injury to the victim who remains hospitalized.

The grand jury investigation is continuing and additional charges will be considered next week against these and other defendants.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Nancy Borko and Assistant District Attorney John Tseng of the Gangs / Major Case Bureau.