Kurdel Emmanuel attempted to remove a gun from a police officer's holster on July 8, 2017, was arrested and then released without bail. ( NYPD)
Just days after a cop was shot dead, a Brooklyn man tried to grab an officer’s gun from her holster in a precinct stationhouse — and a judge released him without bail, outraged law enforcement officials said Sunday.
Kurdel Emmanuel was in the waiting area of the 83rd Precinct stationhouse on Knickerbocker Ave. in Bushwick around 11:15 a.m. on Saturday when he tried to snatch the weapon, according to authorities.
Emmanuel grabbed Officer Lauren Morales’ belt with both hands before attempting to get the gun, according to court papers. Morales was injured in the struggle and taken to an area hospital for a bruised and swollen arm.
Police overcame Emmanuel and arrested him. The 29-year-old man was charged with robbery and assault on a police officer.
Emmanuel has mental health issues, including homicidal and suicidal thoughts, according to police union officials.
Police said Emmanuel had no prior arrests.
Prosecutors requested that Emmanuel be held on $250,000 bond, but Judge Loren Baily-Schiffman released him without bail, officials said.
“Prosecutors are taking this case seriously, but the judge clearly didn’t,” said one law enforcement source. “For her to release him just days before a police officer’s funeral is insulting.”
The incident comes in the wake of the shooting Officer Miosotis Familia who was killed by 34-year-old Alexander Bonds early Wednesday in the Bronx.
Bonds had a history of mental health issues and was released from psychiatric care shortly before he shot Familia.
The slain officer’s funeral is scheduled for Tuesday.
“This is a sickening display of carelessness or callousness by a judge who should be fully aware of similarity in the circumstances,” Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association said in a statement. “We have seen too often the unbalanced act out against NYC police officers with deadly effect.”
Dennis Quirk, president of the New York State Court Officers Association, echoed Lynch’s sentiments.
“You release this guy with nothing?! She had other options. He could go out there and kill someone tonight,” Quirk said. “She’s incompetent. She’s not fit to sit on a criminal court bench.”
Baily-Schiffman could not be reached for comment late Sunday.