Federal agents discharged their firearms while trying to apprehend a suspect along West Side Highway on a recent Thursday afternoon. Authorities say that it was part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) heroin crimes operation.
When the shots were fired, DEA agents were pursuing a Jeep Cherokee in the direction of Manhattan when they stopped the driver at 47th and 12th, near the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum. After the suspect made some sudden movements, the agents decided to open fire, allegedly to protect themselves and the public.
Police say that they apprehended the suspect later, along with three other men who were at an apartment in the Bronx. According to a representative from the DEA, the men were allegedly “involved in large-scale distributions of heroin throughout the New York City area.” Investigators advised the media that during the operation on Thursday, they had seized tens of thousands of doses worth of fentanyl and heroin.
It is unknown at this time whether the accused men have obtained legal counsel. It is also yet to be revealed if they will be able to secure their release by posting bail.
Regardless of the information revealed in news stories about the arrest of these four men, it’s important to remember that they will remain innocent, and they will not be convicted of crimes until — and only if — the prosecution can prove them to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Until that occurs, they and their New York criminal defense counsel will be able to formulate a strategic response to the charges.