Fugitive Arrested for Bronx Hit-and-Run That Seriously Injured On-Duty NYPD Officer

NEW YORK — The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Southern District of New York and the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NY/NJ RFTF) early today located and apprehended the individual responsible for Saturday’s violent hit-and-run that severely injured an on-duty New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer in the Bronx.

Eduard Paulino, 31, was arrested in the Bronx without incident.  

The incident occurred late Saturday evening when officers responded to a large, rowdy gathering and a loud music complaint in the vicinity of Garrison Avenue and Whittier Street in the Hunts Point section. While managing the chaotic scene, an NYPD officer was struck by a fleeing white Honda SUV driven by Paulino, who allegedly accelerated from the scene, leaving the officer with significant leg injuries. The injured officer was rushed to Lincoln Hospital for emergency trauma care.  

“There is nowhere to hide in New York for individuals who choose violence against law enforcement,” said Ricky J. Patel, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York. “We promised a swift and decisive capture, and through the combined, relentless efforts of the U.S. Marshals and our partners, we delivered. If you assault those who wear the shield to protect this city, the full weight of federal and local law enforcement will find you."

The NY/NJ RFTF began operations in April 2002 and was the first regional fugitive task force to become fully operational following the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000. The NY/NJ RFTF was the flagship that has allowed seven other regional fugitive task forces to be created across the country. With partnership agreements with over 90 federal, state, or local agencies and 13 fully operational offices, the NY/NJ RFTF has successfully apprehended over 95,000 fugitives since inception.