By Ivan Pereira
An NYPD officer was fighting for his life last week after he was stabbed in the head Friday by a suspected emotionally disturbed Far Rockaway man, the Queens district attorney said.
Sgt. Timothy Smith was listed in critical condition at Bellevue Hospital from stab wounds to his chest and left eye, according to DA Richard Brown. Smith was one of several officers investigating a 911 call concerning an emotionally disturbed man with a knife, Brown said.
“This case once again underscores the serious and dangerous nature of police work and the sacrifices that our police officers make in serving and protecting our community. It will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the DA said in a statement.
Two officers responded to the 911 call and found Neil Perreira, 32, cutting vegetables in the kitchen of his 24−50 Collier Ave. residence, Brown said. When Perreira saw the officers, he left the kitchen carrying his knife and went into a bedroom, according to the DA.
More officers were called in and when Smith knocked on the door to the bedroom, Perreira opened it with the knife in hand and allegedly stabbed the officer, the DA said. Officers Daniel Sjoberg and Edward Simon also suffered small lacerations when they subdued the attacker.
They were treated at Jamaica Hospital for minor injuries, according to Brown.
Perreira, hospitalized at an undisclosed facility for observation, was arraigned on several charges, including attempted murder and assault on a police officer, the DA said.
If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison, Brown said.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e−mail at ipereira@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 146.
