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FDNY firefighter punched NYPD officer guarding hospital prisoner, police say
By
Charles Lane
Published May 29, 2026
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Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
By
Charles Lane
Published May 29, 2026
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An FDNY firefighter was arrested and charged with assault after he allegedly punched an on-duty NYPD officer who was guarding a hospitalized prisoner in Queens, officials said.
Abel Sencion, 34, punched the 32-year-old officer in the face late Wednesday at Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica, leaving the officer with redness, swelling and pain, according to a criminal complaint.
Investigators offered no clear explanations for the attack. Police officials said the two men did not know each other, exchanged no words and that there was no apparent motive. Law enforcement officials said Sencion appeared to be having a mental health episode when he began throwing punches.
An FDNY spokesperson said Sencion would be suspended at the end of a medical leave.
The officer, who works out of the nearby 105th Precinct, was assigned to guard a sick prisoner at the hospital when Sencion approached him, officials said. The officer remained at the hospital for treatment, according to the complaint.
Sencion was arraigned Thursday before Judge Glenda Hernandez, who set bail at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond, according to court records. He is due back in court June 2.
Sencion’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tagged
public safety
queens
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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