Homeless Migrant Assaults Rookie Female Cop at Port Authority Bus Terminal
An unsettling incident took place at Midtown’s Port Authority Bus Terminal on Monday morning, where a homeless migrant reportedly attacked a rookie female cop. The assailant, identified as Juan Jose Valencia, 30, expressed his hatred towards women working in law enforcement during the violent encounter, according to officials and sources.
The altercation began when Valencia made gun gestures towards a Port Authority police officer at the terminal’s entrance around 6:45 a.m. When the officer approached him, Valencia became agitated, claiming to have a knife in his possession.
Valencia allegedly tripped the cop as she tried to handcuff him and proceeded to physically assault her. The migrant, who reportedly emigrated from Colombia during the pandemic, repeatedly punched the officer while expressing his disdain for female police officers.
The officer called for backup and attempted to arrest Valencia. Despite the arrival of more officers, Valencia continued to attack the cop until he was finally restrained and taken into custody. He now faces charges of assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.
The officer sustained multiple injuries from the assault and was hospitalized for treatment. Valencia had a previous warrant issued against him for failing to appear in court on stalking and intimidation charges in 2022.
Following his arraignment, Valencia remains in custody with his next court appearance scheduled for Friday. Frank Conti, president of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, condemned the attack and praised the officer for her actions in preventing further harm.
“Monday’s incident highlights the dangers our officers face daily in ensuring the safety of millions of people using Port Authority facilities. I am grateful that our officer will recover and commend her bravery in the face of danger,” Conti stated.
