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Man Stabs Cop, Sues Cop For $45 Million


By

Chris O'Shea

Published Jun 7, 2011

Modified Jun 7, 2011


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By

Chris O'Shea

Published Jun 7, 2011

Modified Jun 7, 2011


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Angel Cruz, a New York City police officer who was stabbed in the head by Hugo Hernandez, is now being sued for $45 million by Hernandez for using excessive force when he was arrested four years ago at a J subway station. That's right. A man who stabbed another man is now mad that the stabbed man got upset, so the stabber is suing.

In 2007 Cruz stopped Hernandez for smoking, only to have Hernandez stab him in the head with a six-inch knife, striking Cruz's brain. When Hernandez fled, Cruz shot at him—hitting him four times—then chased Hernandez down and held him so he couldn't attack anyone else.

Three other officers arrived, and Hernandez is now suing all of them for excessive force during the arrest. He claims that the officers pulled his hair and broke his ankle, which is totally as bad as stabbing someone in the head.

Hernandez is now serving 20 years in prison, but that hasn't stopped him from going forward with the lawsuit. On Monday, Cruz and the rest of the officers named in the suit had to appear in Brooklyn Federal Court and answer questions from the prosecution.

What kind of lawyer would represent a man suing a cop that he had stabbed in the head? One named Hugo Hernandez, apparently. The guy is representing himself. When Hernandez asked Cruz why he shot at him, Cruz replied, "To save my life."

The prosecution should rest.

Tagged

Angel Cruz

crime

Hugo Hernandez

nypd

stabbing


Chris O'Shea

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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