Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Off-Duty Cop Robbed Of Gun Could Be In Trouble For Keeping It In Her Purse
By
Nathan Tempey
Published Jul 16, 2015
Modified Jul 16, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Nathan Tempey
Published Jul 16, 2015
Modified Jul 16, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The off-duty police officer punched in the face and relieved of her gun yesterday morning in the Bronx could be reprimanded for carrying the weapon in her purse. The cop, identified by the tabloids as 41-year-old Nilda Quezada, was entering the underground parking garage from the elevator of her Wakefield apartment building around 5 a.m. when a man police now identify as 21-year-old Samuel Thornton ripped a chain from her neck and grabbed for her purse, according to the NYPD.
A senior department official told reporters she reached into her purse to grab her handgun, but Thornton punched her in the face two or three times and she dropped it. NYPD training mandates that cops carry guns on them at all times. The Times quotes the relevant portion of the patrol guide:
Do not carry firearms in briefcases, handbags, fanny packs, hip packs, tote bags, knapsacks, paper bags or similar devices. Carry firearms, on the person, in an appropriate holster specifically designed to afford maximum protection against loss of weapon.
"Obvious neglect of care of firearm" is a violation punishable at the discretion of commanding officers, according to the paper.
The Post reports Thornton was hiding in wait, citing footage that shows him lurking inside the building and a super's description of video that showed Quezada "caught off guard." Police describe Thornton as 21, 6 feet tall, and 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Police ask people with information about the incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). People can also submit tips at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering "TIP577".
Tagged
bronx
gun
nypd
off-duty cop robbed
patrol guide
purse
wakefield
Nathan Tempey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
5 men charged with trespassing in 2 Manhattan manhole cases
Two people who were found soaking wet and smelling of sewage say they went underground to look for jewelry, according to police and a criminal complaint.
By
Charles Lane
Published Oct 23, 2026 at 7:49 p.m. ET
6-year-old girl breaks leg after getting hit by falling bricks in Queens
The girl was walking with her mother in Maspeth on Thursday. The Department of Buildings cited the owner of a garage for “failure to maintain” it.
By
Charles Lane
News
6-year-old girl breaks leg after getting hit by falling bricks in Queens
The girl was walking with her mother in Maspeth on Thursday. The Department of Buildings cited the owner of a garage for “failure to maintain” it.
By
Charles Lane
Mamdani extends ban on permits for new street fairs due to NYPD overtime
By
Carol Chen
Inside the Midtown Bus Terminal rebuild: Decks over Lincoln Tunnel approach, a new park
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
Black couple seeking Queens apartment sues over racist text from broker
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .